In June, Durban’s multipurpose terminal welcomed a striking new arrival—the GREAT TEMA (IMO 9935038), a state-of-the-art Ro-Ro/Container (Ro-Con) vessel operated by the Grimaldi Group. With its gleaming white-and-yellow hull and imposing presence, the ship turned heads—and not just for its looks.
For those following the evolution of West African maritime trade, the GREAT TEMA represents more than just another vessel on the quayside. Built in 2023 by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea, she is part of Grimaldi’s next-generation G5-class, designed for maximum cargo efficiency with minimum environmental impact.
A Dual-Purpose Powerhouse
Measuring 250 metres long and 38 metres wide, with a deadweight of over 45,000 tonnes and gross tonnage nearing 90,000, the GREAT TEMA is a serious cargo mover. What sets her apart is her hybrid cargo capacity:
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Up to 4,700 lane metres of rolling cargo (approximately 2,500 vehicles)
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2,000 TEU of containerized goods
This dual-purpose design is perfectly tailored for Grimaldi’s West Africa service, which connects Northern Europe with major ports such as Lagos, Tema, Abidjan, and Cotonou, now extending further south to Durban. Her call to the South African port underscores Durban’s growing importance as a strategic hub for automotive and general cargo on the continent.
Sustainability at Sea
The GREAT TEMA is more than just versatile—she’s environmentally advanced. Equipped with a Tier III-compliant engine, she meets the latest IMO emissions standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx). Her energy-saving propulsion system, featuring an integrated rudder and propeller, improves efficiency and reduces fuel consumption.
Additional onboard innovations include:
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Hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems
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Variable frequency drives on pumps and fans
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Cold ironing capability – allowing her to connect to shore power and eliminate emissions while docked
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Low-friction hull coatings to reduce drag and improve hydrodynamic performance
According to Grimaldi, these features contribute to a 43% reduction in CO₂ emissions per tonne of cargo transported compared to earlier models in the fleet—an impressive figure for a vessel running transatlantic and African coastal routes.
A Tribute to West Africa
Named after the Ghanaian port city of Tema, the GREAT TEMA reflects the deepening trade ties between Europe and West Africa, and Grimaldi’s growing presence in the region. As the group continues investing in newbuilds and route expansions, it’s clear that the future of shipping on the African coast will be greener, smarter, and more agile.
Durban’s Moment
As the GREAT TEMA departed Durban, she left behind more than just a clean wake—she left a clear signal. Ports like Durban are becoming critical nodes in Africa’s expanding trade network, especially as the continent positions itself for greater integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The arrival of vessels like the GREAT TEMA shows that Africa is not just part of the global logistics chain—it’s helping redefine it.
