CMA CGM is expanding its fleet of alternative fuel container vessels after China and France inked a US$3 billion deal for 16 sustainable mega-ships.

The signing took place during the recent China visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, according to a report by Chinese state media, Xinhua.

"China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) has signed a cooperation agreement with France's CMA CGM Group to produce 16 large container vessels worth more than 21 billion yuan (about 3 billion U.S. dollars)," the report said.

It added that the Marseille-based ocean carrier signed the order — for 12 15,000-TEU ships capable of running on methanol fuel as well as traditional bunkers and four 23,000-TEU dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships — with CSSC.

New record for a single order 

"It sets a new record for a single order with the largest amount of money for container ship production signed by China's shipbuilding industry," Xinhua said.

The report said each of the methanol-powered ships measures 366 meters in length and 51 meters in width and is designed to have the ability to carry 156,000 tonnes of cargo.

State media noted that it is also the Chinese group's first order to produce such methanol-fuelled container ships. Independently developed, the vessel can achieve net zero carbon emissions during its whole voyage.