CMA CGM has launched the world's largest LNG-powered containership, the first of the nine 23,000-TEU containerships that would be the world’s first-ever to be powered by liquefied natural gas.
The French shipping and logistics group said these new vessels will join the group's fleet in 2020 on the French Asia Line (Asia-Northern Europe) and will be registered in the French International Register (RIF), confirming the group's commitment to operating under the French flag.
"This major milestone in the construction of the world's first LNG-powered ultra-large containership was reached at the Shanghai Jiangnan-Changxing Shipyard," CMA CGM said in a statement, reiterating the group's commitment to push for environmentally friendly operations.
CMA CGM said LNG helps to reduce emissions of sulphur oxides and fine particles by 99%, lowers nitrogen oxides emissions by up to 85%, and also helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 20%.
The first vessel in this new class of 23,000-TEU LNG-powered containerships, to be called the CMA CGM Jacques Saade — as a tribute to its founder — will be equipped with a smart system to manage ventilation for the reefer containers carried in the hold.
To further improve the environmental performance of the CMA CGM Jacques Saade and her sisterships, the French firm said their hull forms have been hydrodynamically optimised and the bulb has been seamlessly integrated into the hull profile and the bow is straight. The propeller and rudder blade have also been improved.
"With the launching of the first 23,000 TEU ship powered by liquified natural gas, we demonstrate that energy transition can be effectively successful in our industry if all the players work together. It paves the way to a global shipping approach where economic growth and competitiveness can coexist with sustainability and the fight against climate change,” said Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group.
The new vessels measures 400 metres long and 61 metres wide, CMA CGM said, and will be distinguished from the rest of the fleet by a special livery proudly displaying an “LNG POWERED” logo.
