Grimaldi Lines

Post by **hhvferry** » 05 Mar 2022 19:51

The Finnclipper is in Piombino being repainted, unfortunately for her, into Grimaldi colours ahead of the transfer to the Adriatic to replace the Euroferry Olympia.

: Finnclipper repainting in Piombino

Photo: ships.med

This might end up being a permanent move. If not, let's remember what happened the last time Grimaldi in Italy took one of Finnlines' more modern ro-paxes for their own use and then returned it to the Finns:

Unsatisfactory working environment delays Europalink

Google Translate

"Among other things, suspected mould in several cabins and other spaces, toilets that do not work and a deficient drainage and ventilation system.

"I could say that the ferry is in a deplorable condition. But it's not really the right word to describe her. She is in a sad condition, she is dirty and barely maintained. Europalink was in good condition in 2012 when she was taken over by Grimaldi to the Mediterranean. Now the crew has to work up the condition of the ferry again. I am saddened by how Grimaldi can treat his tonnage like this", says Mikael Lindmark.

Mikael Lindmark and Pelle Andersson's first reaction was to request an injunction for Europalink. After several crisis meetings where personnel management and safety manager from Finnlines in Malmö participated together with chief safety representatives, commanders and representatives of the Swedish Transport Agency and the Naval Officers' Association, an action plan was worked out.

"Our first priority is to ensure that no one gets sick working on board", says Mikael Lindmark. The safety representative has the full mandate to take the necessary measures together with the master.

At present, in addition to cleaning and general maintenance, it is a matter of repairing the drainage and ventilation system. On Thursday, several external companies were on board to help with the work. Anticimex was also on board to map the presence of mould spores.

"Everyone who works on board must have a functioning toilet and shower and ventilation in their cabins before the ferry goes into service, it is an absolute basic level", says Mikael Lindmark.

In order for the ferry to be able to be used, cabins with deficiencies will be shut down until they have been remedied. And a larger investigation into the presence of mould and microbiological work environment risks must be carried out as soon as possible.

Employees who have had allergic reactions have been offered to temporarily change ships or go home for pay."

Post by **hhvferry** » 07 Mar 2022 20:28

Renaming in progress.

: Igoumenitsa renaming

Photo: ships.med

Despite its longstanding presence as one of the busiest of Adriatic ports there are only two previous car ferries which have been named after Igoumenitsa, both of which bore the name Igoumenitsa Express:

the former Cerdic Ferry of ASN/Townsend Thoresen during her brief spell with A K Ventouris in the '90s

and, earlier, the former Bland Line, Gibraltar-based car ferry the Mons Calpe which briefly wore the name in 1987.

Post by **hhvferry** » 27 Mar 2022 21:22

Some members of the Shipfriends forum decided to make a sail on Grimaldi's Europa Palace (ex-Superfast VI, the sister to the Cap Finistere). And then return on Grimaldi's Zeus Palace (originally Minoan's Prometheus).

These two were built during the great Adriatic newbuilding spree of the late '90s and early 2000s. Whilst the Superfast VI and her sister were outstanding and influential and successful ships the Zeus Palace and her two sisters were always spare parts that were built relatively cheaply, which Minoan didn't really know what to do with and soon sold on.

I don't want to sound like a broken record when talking about what a threat to ferry industry standards the spread of Grimaldi Lines are so, if you stick these reports through Google translate, they will speak for themselves.

Shipfriends voyage report: Europa Palace

Shipfriends voyage report: Zeus Palace

Post by **hhvferry** » 11 Apr 2022 01:38

A couple of inter-linked Grimaldi Lines stories:

The start of the previously announced upgrade of the Savona-Porto Torres route to ro-pax, using Zeus Palace, has been delayed until June. Grimaldi have put out a story about "delayed materials" (see here) but the reality is the Zeus Palace is still rostered on her Ancona-Igoumenitsa route until then.

Meanwhile, down at Brindisi the Igoumenitsa (ex-Finnclipper), which was hurried down from Finnlines to replace the destroyed Euroferry Olympia, is reported broken down. Whatever the reality, she has not actually made a sailing yet and is not likely to for the foreseeable future.

The Visentini Florencia is therefore currently running from Brindisi and, until she is released to go north to Ancona, the Zeus Palace cannot go over to Savona.

However, given the supposedly looming detente between Italian shipowners (Moby/GNV/Grimaldi) I do wonder if the plan to open the currently freight-only Savona-Porto Torres route to passengers will ever actually happen.

Post by **hhvferry** » 25 Apr 2022 19:54

The Igoumenitsa (ex-Finnclipper) will finally enter service on the Igoumenitsa-Brindisi line on Wednesday.

This will free up the Florencia to move to Igoumenitsa-Ancona. That in turn will allow the Zeus Palace to move, at last, to Savona-Porto Torres (due to start 17th May).

Post by **hhvferry** » 12 Jun 2022 16:52

Grimaldi Lines claim to be reducing crossing times on the Livorno-Olbia route for the summer.

Given this company's fleeting familiarity with timekeeping or service standards I wouldn't arrange any tight connections within three hours of the stated arrival times.

: Grimaldi Lines Livorno Olbia summer 2022

Photo: grimaldilines

Post by **hhvferry** » 17 Jun 2022 13:43

Handbrake turn for the Cruise Roma on her Civitavecchia-Porto Torres-Barcelona sailing this lunchtime.

ManiaNave · Post by **ManiaNave** » 21 Jul 2022 17:25

This morning around 12 the Cruise Europa ferry broke down after an hour of departure from Olbia. The ship was adrift for up to a few minutes due to a generator failure.

: Cruise Europa

Post by **hhvferry** » 23 Jul 2022 14:53

Grimaldi Trasmed have proudly shared images with the press of the Ciudad de Barcelona (ex-Volcan del Teide) after her long, over-running renovation in Naples, to demonstrate the supposed new standards they are introducing.

Reality check: whilst the ship has been given a blue hull, on board, of course, she looks almost entirely the same as before the refit except for some little 'G' logos stuck here and there 😂

[in Spanish] Ciudad de Barcelona sails from Naples to Ibiza

Here she is just before departing back to Spain -

: Ciudad de Barcelona After Naples Refit Departing For Spain.

: Ciudad de Barcelona After Naples Refit Departing For Spain.

Photos: navi_armatori

SilverDot · Post by **SilverDot** » 05 Aug 2022 23:39

Press release for Eco Adriatica joining Grimaldi this week.

The Eco Adriatica Enters The Grimaldi Fleet

The eleventh GG5G-class hybrid ro-ro vessel delivered to the Neapolitan group Naples, 1 August 2022: With the delivery of the Eco Adriatica, the fleet of Grimaldi Green 5th Generation (GG5G) class hybrid vessels is almost complete. This is the eleventh of twelve state-of the art units ordered from the Chinese Jinling shipyard located in Nanjing. Thanks to their unique design, the GG5G-class ships are not only the largest ro-ro units in the world for short sea shipping, but also the most eco-friendly.

The Eco Adriatica flies the Italian flag, has a length of 238 meters, a beam of 34 meters, a gross tonnage of 67,311 tonnes and a service speed of 20.8 knots. The loading capacity of her seven decks – two of which are hoistable – is twice that of the previous class of short sea ro-ro ships deployed by the Grimaldi Group: in fact, the vessel can carry some 7,800 linear meters of freight, equivalent to around 500 trailers and 180 cars.

However, the increase in capacity does not affect fuel consumption, thanks to the adoption of numerous highly innovative technological solutions that optimize the ship's operational and environmental performance: in fact, at the same speed, the Eco Adriatica consumes the same amount of fuel compared to the previous generation ro-ro ships, and is therefore able to halve CO2 emissions per unit transported.

The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art, electronically controlled engines and with an exhaust gas cleaning system for the reduction of sulphur and particulate emissions. In addition, during port stays, the Eco Adriatica is capable of cutting emissions to zero by using the electricity stored in mega lithium batteries with a total power of 5 MWh; these are recharged during navigation thanks to shaft generators and 350 m2 of solar panels.

"It is not enough to talk about ecological transition: we must bring about change, and our Group is doing it by making its fleet increasingly modern, efficient and sustainable", said Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Neapolitan shipping company. "With ships such as the Eco Adriatica and her GG5G-class sister units, we concretely contribute to reducing the environmental impact of maritime transport in Europe "

Image: Grimaldi

ManiaNave · Post by **ManiaNave** » 20 Aug 2022 11:52

Some passengers reported that on the Cruise Ausonia, employed on the Livorno-Palermo, is traveling with both public and present bathrooms blocked in the cabins and further it would seem that the ship is standing even traveling with a higher number of passengers to the expected one.

: Cruise Ausonia

Appia1978 · Post by **Appia1978** » 20 Aug 2022 18:14

I am sorry to say but the Grimaldi ships in the Adriatic are the dirtiest ships I have ever traveled on.
Just last year, amidst COVID and supposedly stricter hygiene measures... 🙄:
- Absolutely dirty toilet
- The floor of the cabin was so dirty that if you put your hand lightly on it, it turned black immediately
- Due to the huge delays that are common at Grimaldi (almost 8 hours for us!!!), the crew had not yet cleaned the cabin. So we witnessed the "cleaning". The whole cleaning consisted of wiping with dirty water with the mop. Nothing else!!!
Shame about the good old Minoan and Superfast ferries...

ManiaNave · Post by **ManiaNave** » 25 Aug 2022 10:04

now passengers are complaining about Cruise Barcelona as it is dirty and has clogged toilets

: Cruise Barcelona

Risberg · Post by **Risberg** » 06 Sep 2022 19:21

I also have very bad experiences with Grimaldi Lines:

Passenger on the autocarrier GRANDE ARGENTINA Antwerp - Dakar in 2003. Inside cabin (which is very unusual on a freighter), more expensive ticket than on the other ten freight journeys I've maid all around the World, difficulties getting the ticket, return trip according to schedule impossible (you should embark in Douala - and how was I supposed to get from Senegal or Mali to Douala?!).

Ferry FLORENCE Patra - Brindisi 2019. Terrible food (on an Italian ship!), arrogant staff, dull interior.

The ferry KNOSSOS PALACE from Iraklion, Crete to Pireaus in 2019 was excellent - but I fear the worst as Grimaldi has taken over Minoan Lines.

When that is said I'm not the least impressed by Moby Lines either (used them between Livorno and Bastia in 1991).

SilverDot · Post by **SilverDot** » 30 Sep 2022 17:22

Grimaldi ordered two more 5th Generation (GG5G) for Euromed traffic bringing the total to fourteen GG5G ships with possible options for five more. Eleven will be under Grimaldi and the other three Finnlines. The new ships are costing $100m each whereas the original 12 cost $65m each.

: Eco Mediterranea leaving Jinling Shipyard ealier this summer, with two of her sisters being fitted out in the background. Photo: Grimaldi

See for The Eco Adriatica Enters The Grimaldi Fleet post for more details on the ships.

SilverDot · Post by **SilverDot** » 30 Sep 2022 17:50

From XXV Euromed conference in Sorrento, in Emanuele Grimaldi's opening speech

: Grimaldi's 33 New Ships. Photo: Grimaldi

Plus now shipping vehicles for Stellantis, BMW, Renault, Ford plus car companies in Asia (including China).

Negotiations with ports in Greece, Italy and Spain that could turn into acquisitions.

Separately on port negotiations, Grimaldi Group are competing with Port Authority of Thessaloniki for the Port of Igoumenitsa with bids due in January 2023.

Risberg · Post by **Risberg** » 30 Sep 2022 18:10

Interesting math: 5+5+9+2+3+6+2=33! In my head it makes 32, but I guess I'm old fashioned, adding in my head.

ManiaNave · Post by **ManiaNave** » 01 Oct 2022 10:28

Grimaldi Lines at the XXV Euromed Convention underway in Sorrento reported that it wants to open new routes from the port of Naples to Sardinia and Sicily, the routes it should open are: Naples-Palermo, Naples-Olbia and possibly Genoa-Olbia. The Genoa-Olbia section could have some hitch due to the chemical deposit in the port of Genoa and if Grimaldi Lines is not accepted in Genoa it will ask Sergio for the reason. Mattarella. Emanuele always reported to Sorrento that if there are problems in the market, legal action will be taken, furthermore he added that there have been two arbitrations against the shipping company Moby regarding the Amsicora and Bonaria ships for abuse of dominant position. Grimaldi also added that he will oppose Court against the monopoly of competitors (tirrenia / Moby ‚GNV) on the" Naples-Palermo "route and on the Genoa-Olbia route and for the damage caused by rentals to Moby, and invites the Antitrust to monitor the market situation in Greece after the Attica-Anek merger

Post by **hhvferry** » 01 Oct 2022 10:43

It's true that the GNV- Moby link up poses competition problems on the Naples-Palermo route in particular (Genoa-Olbia is a seasonal route which is rather more marginal, Naples-Olbia doesn't exist).

Not sure any more poorly maintained, late running Grimaldi ships with shoddy passenger service are the answer to any of the problems though.

ManiaNave · Post by **ManiaNave** » 01 Oct 2022 10:58

eh infatti, ora per provare a rubare "clienti" a GNV e Moby vuole aprire Napoli-Olbia e Napoli-Palermo

Risberg · Post by **Risberg** » 01 Oct 2022 11:47

ManiaNave wrote: ↑01 Oct 2022 10:58 eh infatti, ora per provare a rubare "clienti" a GNV e Moby vuole aprire Napoli-Olbia e Napoli-Palermo

Muligens interessant, hvis hver enkelt skriver på sitt språk, men meget drøfting blir det jo neppe!

I see that you expect me and others on this forum to understand Italian, so I expect you to understand Norwegian!

ManiaNave · Post by **ManiaNave** » 01 Oct 2022 12:07

hhvferry wrote: ↑01 Oct 2022 10:43 It's true that the GNV- Moby link up poses competition problems on the Naples-Palermo route in particular (Genoa-Olbia is a seasonal route which is rather more marginal, Naples-Olbia doesn't exist).

Not sure any more poorly maintained, late running Grimaldi ships with shoddy passenger service are the answer to any of the problems though.

eh in fact, now to try to steal "customers" from GNV and Moby wants to open Naples-Olbia and Naples-Palermo

ManiaNave · Post by **ManiaNave** » 01 Oct 2022 12:09

Risberg wrote: ↑01 Oct 2022 11:47
ManiaNave wrote: ↑01 Oct 2022 10:58 eh infatti, ora per provare a rubare "clienti" a GNV e Moby vuole aprire Napoli-Olbia e Napoli-Palermo

Muligens interessant, hvis hver enkelt skriver på sitt språk, men meget drøfting blir det jo neppe!

I see that you expect me and others on this forum to understand Italian, so I expect you to understand Norwegian!

sorry, i forgot to write in english

ManiaNave · Post by **ManiaNave** » 12 Oct 2022 18:26

Grimaldi Lines has announced the opening of the "Naples-Palermo" line also for passengers since months ago it was only for goods. The ship used will be the Cruise Ausonia and will start service on this route from Monday 17 October from the port of Palermo, the departure from Naples and Palermo is scheduled for 20:30 instead the arrival is scheduled for 6:30 .

Post by **hhvferry** » 13 Oct 2022 14:29

ManiaNave wrote: ↑12 Oct 2022 18:26 Grimaldi Lines has announced the opening of the "Naples-Palermo" line also for passengers since months ago it was only for goods. The ship used will be the Cruise Ausonia and will start service on this route from Monday 17 October from the port of Palermo, the departure from Naples and Palermo is scheduled for 20:30 instead the arrival is scheduled for 6:30 .

To facilitate this new route the Cruise Ausonia is being taken off the Livorno-Palermo line and replaced by the Zeus Palace.

In turn the Zeus Palace's new (earlier this year) passenger route from Savona to Porto Torres is being cancelled for the remainder of the year. When announced they said it would continue until December at least so perhaps people have not been won over by the dubious attractions of that particular ship.

So Grimaldi are in fact closing one front against Moby (and GNV, whose seasonal Porto Torres route closes for the year this weekend) to open a new one on Napoli-Palermo. I'd suggest they may have more success in the latter as it has a more year-round market.

I'm not sure in terms of vessel availability they had to close the Savona route to open the Palermo one though. The Civitavecchia-Olbia route has also just closed for the winter and the ship involved, the Cruise Bonaria, would have been free. She has scuttled off to Brindisi though so maybe is to be used for refit cover in the Adriatic and Greece. Her AIS destination is Piraeus but she remains in Italy for now.