The Great Cotonou was officially delivered on 23 December 2024 by the South Korean shipyard Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. This state-of-the-art vessel measures 250 metres in length and 38 metres in width, with a gross tonnage of 45,684. Featuring a customised internal configuration, the G5-class ships can transport up to 4,700 linear metres of rolling cargo, 2,500 car equivalent units (CEU), and 2,000 TEUs. This represents double the container capacity of the previous G4 class while maintaining the same capacity for rolling cargo.
The Great Cotonou sets a new standard in sustainability, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 43% per tonne of cargo transported compared to earlier Grimaldi fleet units. Additionally, it is equipped for cold ironing, allowing it to connect to shore power during port calls where facilities are available, further minimising its environmental footprint.
From January 2025, the Great Cotonou will inaugurate a new shipping route, linking China to Lagos, Nigeria. Initially operating on a monthly basis, this service will transport a diverse range of goods, including light and heavy vehicles, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and containers. Cargo bound for other West African destinations and Brazil will be managed through the Lagos PTML terminal, owned by the Grimaldi Group.
“With the Great Cotonou and the new regular service connecting China, West Africa, and Brazil, we are offering our clients an increasingly extensive and sustainable network,” said Gian Luca Grimaldi, President of Grimaldi Group, during the delivery ceremony. “This new vessel represents another step forward towards a modern and technologically advanced fleet, capable of meeting the challenges of the global market.”
