On May 23, the Chinese shipbuilder Qingdao Shipyard successfully delivered the world's first ammonia-ready containership, named CMA CGM Masai Mara.

With a capacity of 5,900 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), this vessel was constructed for Belgian shipowner CMB and will be operated by the prominent French liner company CMA CGM.

The CMA CGM Masai Mara stands out due to its advanced features, including a significant level of automation and an innovative dual-fuel propulsion system that enables the use of both ammonia and diesel — demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and marking a significant milestone in the shipping industry's efforts to explore alternative fuel options.

The shipbuilder has highlighted that the vessel boasts low energy consumption and incorporates design features that ensure compliance with the latest regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

This ship belongs to a new generation of medium-sized containerships that have been optimized for regional container transportation. It offers flexibility in terms of deployment on various non-polar global routes, making it a versatile asset in the industry.

During the naming ceremony, another vessel of the same class was launched and christened as CMA CGM Khao Sok, serving as the sister ship to the Masai Mara.

This event marked the progression of a deal involving a total of six vessels.

CMB, as a company, has been a strong advocate for alternative fuels like hydrogen and ammonia. In collaboration with WinGD, CMB's subsidiary Bocimar is currently constructing up to nine ammonia-powered Newcastlemax vessels in China.

Additionally, CMB.TECH, another subsidiary of CMB, has developed practical applications featuring both dual-fuel and mono-fuel hydrogen engines.