Grimaldi Group and Leapmotor International have scaled their automotive logistics partnership, delivering nearly 100,000 vehicles from China to Europe in 18 months. The program included 15 sailings in Q1 2026, transporting over 20,000 units to Italy. The fleet uses 17 new PCTCs, each with capacity exceeding 9,000 CEU, and is ammonia-ready for sustainability. The logistics network spans nearly 6 billion m² across European ports. Alessandro Furnò, VP of global supply chain at LPMI, cited logistics as a strategic lever. Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Grimaldi’s automotive director, called the alliance a long-term partnership built on trust and execution.
Logistics Partnership Delivers 100,000 Vehicles in 18 Months
According to Parcel and Postal Technology International, Grimaldi Group and Leapmotor International (LPMI) have scaled their automotive distribution logistics partnership, delivering nearly 100,000 vehicles from China to Europe over the past 18 months. The shipment volume includes more than 20,000 units delivered to the Italian market between January and March 2026, reflecting strong demand in the region. This milestone was achieved through a structured program of 15 sailings across the first quarter of 2026, connecting Chinese ports with multiple European destinations.
European Port Network and Fleet Capacity
The program leverages Grimaldi Group’s fleet of Pure Car & Truck Carriers (PCTC), including the Grande Svezia, Grande Michigan, Grande Istanbul, and Grande Tianjin. These vessels are part of a broader investment in 17 new PCTCs, each with a capacity exceeding 9,000 CEU (car equivalent units). The fleet supports operations across key European ports of entry, including Antwerp in Belgium, Portbury in the UK, Valencia and Vigo in Spain, Setúbal in Portugal, and Italy’s Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Gioia Tauro. The company’s logistics platform spans nearly 6,000,000,000 m² of equipped port areas, facilitating vehicle preparation, maintenance, and battery charging.
Ammonia-Ready Vessels and Sustainability Commitment
According to the report, the newly acquired PCTCs are reportedly ammonia-ready, aligning with the maritime industry’s 2050 net-zero emissions goals. This infrastructure enhancement supports long-term sustainability targets while enabling scalable transport for electric vehicles (EVs). The move reflects a strategic shift toward greener intercontinental freight solutions, particularly for high-volume EV exports. The vessels’ capacity and environmental readiness are critical for supporting Leapmotor International’s growing European rollout.
“Logistics is a key differentiator and a strategic lever for competitiveness in the modern automotive sector,” said Alessandro Furnò, LPMI’s VP of global supply chain and purchasing. “Our ability to lead such a complex ecosystem – supported by a trusted partner like the Grimaldi Group – is a cornerstone of our commercial success. This partnership ensures that our logistics capabilities evolve as fast as our technology, securing our momentum in the European market.”
Strategic Alliance and Long-Term Vision
Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, automotive intercontinental director at the Grimaldi Group, emphasized the partnership’s strategic nature, stating, “We are proud to support Leapmotor International during this transformative phase of its European expansion. This is more than a service agreement; it is a long-term partnership built on trust and shared execution. We remain committed to providing the scalable, tailored logistics solutions necessary as LPMI’s volumes continue to reach new heights.” The collaboration marks a significant enhancement in cross-border EV distribution capabilities across the EU, leveraging advanced maritime and port infrastructure.
Source: www.parcelandpostaltechnologyinternational.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
