• €162.3 million transaction for the acquisition of three high energy-efficiency vessels
• Supporting the Grimaldi Group’s sustainable growth, with a focus on technological innovation and reduced environmental impact

 Intesa Sanpaolo, through its IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division led by Mauro Micillo, has finalised a €162.3 million financing deal for Grimaldi Euromed, a Grimaldi Group company.

The financing will support the acquisition of three next-generation Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) ships – Grande Egitto, Grande Pacifico, and Grande Oceania – scheduled for delivery in 2026.

Francesca Diviccaro, Head of Retail & Luxury at Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, commented: “Grimaldi Euromed represents excellence in the sustainable modernisation of maritime transport. As IMI CIB, we continue to support its growth strategy. Intesa Sanpaolo has always been at the forefront of supporting businesses in their strategic investments, fostering innovation and energy transition.”

Diego Pacella, CEO of the Grimaldi Group, stated: “The financing for the acquisition of Grande Egitto, Grande Pacifico and Grande Oceania supports our sustainable growth strategy, in which fleet modernisation is one of the key, high-impact pillars. This deal also strengthens our long-standing partnership with Intesa Sanpaolo, which continues to be one of our main banking partners.”

High-tech, energy-efficient ships

Grande Egitto, Grande Pacifico and Grande Oceania are three of 17 new PCTC ships ordered by the Grimaldi Group between 2022 and 2023, for a total investment of over USD 1.6 billion. These vessels stand out not only for their high transport capacity – 9,800 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) each – but also for their low environmental impact.

Each ship is equipped with cutting-edge design and technology, including:

• Ammonia Ready class notation, certifying the possibility of future conversion to ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel;
• Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration and Comfort Noise Port class notations;
• 5 MWh lithium-ion mega batteries;
• 2,500 m² of solar panels;
• Cold ironing capability: shore-to-ship power supply system;
• Air lubrication system: hull lubrication via air bubbles to reduce drag;
• Gate rudder, an innovative twin-foil rudder installed for the first time on PCTC ships, enhancing propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.

A shared ESG commitment

The financing, structured as a Green Loan, is part of Intesa Sanpaolo’s broader ESG strategy under the leadership of CEO Carlo Messina, as evidenced by the Group’s commitment to supporting clients through the energy transition. Between 2021 and the first nine months of 2025, approximately €84.7 billion was disbursed in support of the green economy, circular economy, and ecological transition.

In this context, the ongoing collaboration with the Grimaldi Group finds natural continuity, underpinned by a shared vision for sustainable development. Since its founding, the Grimaldi Group has prioritised the adoption of a sustainable and socially responsible business model – a priority that has become increasingly central over the years, with the long-term goal of sailing and transporting goods and passengers with zero emissions. Between 2018 and 2025, the Group placed orders for 48 new ships worth around USD 5 billion, while also investing in the green modernisation of its existing fleet, as well as in the development of its ports and terminals in Europe and Africa.

This agreement demonstrates how cooperation between banking and industry can drive high-value investments, accelerating innovation and sustainability in the European maritime sector.