MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has been contracted by Chinese shipbuilding group Yangfan to deliver comprehensive RoRo access equipment packages for a series of five post-Panamax 7,800 CEU pure car/truck carriers (PCTCs). The vessels are under construction for Italian operator Grimaldi Group, with options for seven more.
The 200m vessels will be among the world's largest car carriers. They have been ordered as part of Grimaldi's fleet expansion and modernisation programme. Each MacGregor RoRo access equipment package will comprise a quarter ramp, side ramp, internal ramps, bulkhead doors and four levels of liftable car decks. The gross weight of the equipment is about 2,400 tonnes per ship.
The vessels are expected to enter into service in 2017 for deployment on Grimaldi's regular service linking the Mediterranean and North America. This service is specifically dedicated to the transport of new vehicles between Europe and the US and Canadian markets.