Auramarine to supply methanol fuel-supply systems for Grimaldi Group’s next-generation RoPax vessels

Image: Auramarine Ltd.

Auramarine, the Finnish technology and fuel-supply and systems company, has been selected to supply methanol fuel-supply systems for six new RoPax vessels ordered by the Grimaldi Group from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard.

The vessels will operate in the Mediterranean under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands and will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol to support the Grimaldi Group’s net zero ambitions.

Auramarine will deliver methanol fuel-supply systems for all six vessels, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient methanol supply from bunkering to the main engine.

Each delivery covers the entire methanol fuel-supply system including control and emergency shutdown (ESD) automation.

The systems are designed to support safe operation in hazardous areas, incorporating inerting and drainage concepts and meeting stringent class and regulatory requirements for methanol as a marine fuel.

In addition to methanol fuel-supply systems, Auramarine will deliver main- and auxiliary-engine conventional fuel-supply units to enable these dual-fueled vessels to operate reliably using heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine gasoil and biofuels.

Dual-fuel engines offer fuel flexibility, helping operators switch between fuels and optimize costs as markets and fuel availability change.

Dual-fuel capability also supports compliance with tightening emission regulations, preserving chartering appeal and long-term asset value as the energy transition accelerates.

These six RoPax vessels will sail under Italian and Greek flags.

All ships are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030 and will feature a wide range of green technologies, including optimized hull and propeller designs, energy efficient power-management systems, shore-power readiness and silicon based hull coatings, together reducing CO2 emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50 percent compared to current tonnage on the same routes.

This new order further strengthens Auramarine’s cooperation with the Grimaldi Group and builds on the company’s previously announced contract to deliver methanol, biofuel and HFO fuel-supply systems for three Finnlines “Hansa Superstar” Ro Pax vessels operating on the Finland-Germany route.

“Auramarine is proud to support the Grimaldi Group’s ambitious decarbonization roadmap with proven methanol fuel-supply expertise,” said Auramarine CEO John Bergman. “These new vessels highlight how alternative fuels like methanol, supported by advanced fuel-supply systems and other green technologies, can deliver substantial emissions reductions in the Mediterranean. By enabling the safe and efficient use of methanol across Grimaldi’s next-generation RoPax fleet, Auramarine confirms its position as a trusted partner for shipowners advancing the adoption of alternative marine fuels.”