China Merchants Group (CMG) announced on Thursday that it has struck a deal worth $1.3 billion (HK$ 10 billion) in Hong Kong with Italy’s Grimaldi Group, one of the world’s largest logistics conglomerates, reflecting the high regard that many international enterprises have for China’s high-end manufacturing industry.

According to the contract, the shipping and passenger transport operator commissioned the construction of nine ro-pax (roll-on/roll-off passenger) vessels from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai), a subsidiary of CMG.

To reduce the environmental impact and improve the energy efficiency of the ships, they will be the world’s first to be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol as an alternative to fossil fuels.

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The CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit will be reduced by more than 50 percent compared to those from vessels currently operating on the same routes, thanks to the ships’ optimized hull and propeller designs, energy-efficient onboard power management systems, shore power readiness, and silicon-based hull coatings.

“With the order of these nine extraordinary ro-pax vessels, we continue to strengthen our long, successful alliance with China Merchants Group, reflecting our high regard for the technological expertise of Chinese shipbuilding companies in the high-end vessel sector,” said Emanuele Grimaldi, managing director of the Grimaldi Group.

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The Grimaldi Group and CMG are long-term partners, and have jointly built more than 30 multi-type, energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and technologically advanced ro-ro vessels.