As part of our “On Board with the Industry” series, the Fenech & Fenech Maritime Practice team had the pleasure and privilege of going on board the m.v. Eco Barcelona, one of the most sustainable Ro-Ro vessels in the world, owned by the Grimaldi Group.

Sullivan Maritime Limited, the local agents of Grimaldi Lines here in Malta organised our visit to this cutting-edge vessel to experience first-hand the logistics and technical operations that underpin its innovative design. The Eco Barcelona forms part of the Grimaldi Group’s fifth-generation GG5G (Grimaldi Group’s fifth-generation) fleet—vessels that exemplify both size and sustainability.

As Grimaldi Euromed SpA’s local agents, Sullivan Maritime Limited plays a crucial role in managing freight bookings and servicing Maltese clients for the carriage of trailers and Ro-Ro cargo on Grimaldi vessels operating on the Italy–Malta route.

The Eco Barcelona is a marvel of engineering: with a capacity of 7,800 linear metres of rolling cargo (the equivalent of over 520 trailers), this vessel delivers twice the efficiency in terms of both cargo volume and reduced CO₂ emissions per transported unit, all while maintaining equal consumption and speed.

Our team had the opportunity to see how green technology translates into real-world maritime operations. From lithium mega-batteries that charge during navigation—enabling Zero Emission in Port—to advanced energy-saving equipment, every element of the vessel is geared towards sustainability. The ship also features state-of-the-art purification plants, scrubbers to reduce sulphur and particulate emissions, and 350 square metres of solar panels.

At Fenech & Fenech, we are proud to have Grimaldi Lines as our clients and to support Sullivan Maritime Limited in their work as local agents for Grimaldi Lines. We applaud their commitment to decarbonisation and sustainable shipping. We are equally proud to be currently advising them on the legal frameworks that underpin the EU Fit for 55 package amongst other matters.

Thanks to Mr Manuel Portelli, Senior Manager, and Mr Kurt Pisani, Port and Marine Operations Manager at Sullivan Maritime Limited, for coordinating this insightful visit. We also thank the entire crew on board the m.v. Eco Barcelona for their warm welcome and technical explanations.