The Grimaldi Group’s car carrier is currently sailing in the Indian Ocean en route to China.

 After more than 100 days of forced stay in the Persian Gulf due to regional tensions, this morning the Grimaldi Group’s Pure Car & Truck Carrier Grande Torino safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, following the issuance of authorisation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The vessel, with a crew of 21 members (three Italians and 18 Filipinos) and sailing under the Italian flag, is currently navigating the Indian Ocean bound for China, where she will be redeployed within the Italian group’s network of services between the Far East and Europe.

At the outbreak of recent hostilities in the region at the end of February, the Grande Torino was in the Persian Gulf to discharge new vehicles arriving from the Far East. Unable to leave the area for security reasons, the ship remained at anchorage in the stretch of sea between the coasts of the United Arab Emirates and those of Iran.

The vessel’s departure marks the conclusion of a particularly complex period, handled by the entire crew with extraordinary professionalism, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility in one of the most strategic areas for global maritime trade, which in recent months has been characterised by heightened tensions and a particularly sensitive security environment.

“We would like to express our sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the Master and the entire crew of the Grande Torino, who have once again demonstrated the human and professional qualities that distinguish the Grimaldi Group’s employees. Faced with an exceptional situation, they maintained at all times the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to duty,” said the Managing Director of the Naples-based shipping group, Emanuele Grimaldi.

The positive outcome of the matter is the result of intensive diplomatic efforts and ongoing dialogue developed over recent months between the Grimaldi Group and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, led by Minister Antonio Tajani, who personally followed the matter. A significant contribution also came from the meeting held in Rome between the Group’s Managing Director, Emanuele Grimaldi, and the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Italy, H.E. Mohammad Reza Sabouri.

“We would like to express our gratitude to all the diplomatic missions and institutions involved, who closely monitored the situation and provided continuous support throughout the vessel’s stay in the area. In particular, we extend our sincere thanks to the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, who together with his staff worked with extraordinary commitment and determination to help achieve a positive resolution of the matter, and to Ambassador Mohammad Reza Sabouri for contributing to its successful outcome,” concluded Emanuele Grimaldi.