The Naples-based group is to set up a new monthly link in early February that will operate at full capacity with two departures per month

The Grimaldi Group's Grande Halifax car carrier(IMO 9784051, MMSI 247376400 -sailing under the flag of Italy. ) i departed Shanghai a few days ago, as part of a new service offered by the Italian shipowner connecting China and Australia. According to Daily Cargo News, the service will initially operate monthly, then be expanded to a fortnightly frequency. According to the Australian newspaper, Grimaldi is expected to operate alongside the 6,700 CEU Grande Halifax, its two sister ships, the Grande Texas and the Grande Houston, with 7,600 CEU capacity. The rotation includes calls at Shanghai, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, Melbourne, Port Kembla, and Brisbane, with calls at Guangzhou upon request.

Related : Grimaldi’s Grande Brasile set on fire en route to Aliaga (Türkiye)

Grimaldi's initiative are data on the Chinese car market in Australia

Supporting Grimaldi's initiative are data on the Chinese car market in Australia, cited by Daily Cargo News. In 2025, Chinese vehicles imported from Australia grew by 20%, and by 46.5% in December alone. It is expected that by the end of 2026, 30 Chinese brands will be available on the Australian market.

 Cosco Shipping Car Carriers launched a monthly service

As noted by the Australian newspaper, the launch of the line comes at a time when capacity and competition continue to increase. In addition to established Japanese and South Korean operators, Cosco Shipping Car Carriers launched a monthly service in mid-2025, which has already doubled in frequency and is coordinating with Toyota-owned Toyofuji Shipping. And since acquiring 100% of New Zealand's Armacup (retiring its brand), Wallenius Wilhelmsen has expanded its Asia-Oceania service with seven ships in service and weekly departures.

About : Grimaldi Lines 

Grimaldi Lines is a major Naples-based, family-owned shipping company founded in 1947, specializing in maritime transport of passengers, cars, and roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) cargo across the Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, and to West Africa. As part of the Grimaldi Group, it operates a modern fleet, including eco-friendly ferries to Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Greece, and Tunisia. 

Related : Grimaldi inaugurates the first river-sea line from China to Africa

Source : Shipping Italy 

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