The CMA CGM Group has taken delivery of the CMA CGM MERMAID, the first ship in a series of 10 new 2,000 TEU container ships powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which will be deployed in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

CMA CGM said these new container ships — with an original design aimed at improving their energy efficiency and environmental performance — will join the CMA CGM fleet of around 620 vessels, including more than 30 already powered by alternative energies.

It noted that these ships will emit up to 20% less CO2 compared to a similar-sized ship with a conventional maritime fuel design (very low sulfur oil).

CMA CGM noted that this delivery is part of CMA CGM's fleet renewal program, in which the Group has invested more than US$15 billion — and brings the Group one step closer to meeting its objective of Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

By 2028, it noted that nearly 120 ships will be powered by low-carbon energies.

CMA CGM said it entrusted the construction of the ships to the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD), located in South Korea.

Delivered progressively between February 2024 and January 2025, the ten new vessels will transport goods over short distances, mainly in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Between April and July, six of the series will join the Intra-Northern-Europe line to serve the Baltic and Scandinavian ports from the hubs of Hamburg and Bremerhaven.

Four other ships will join the Intra-Mediterranean line between the end of September and the end of November.

CMA CGM noted that capable of carrying 45' containers which can be loaded on trailers, these ships offer a more energy-efficient alternative to road transport in Europe and the Mediterranean region. 

The CMA CGM MERMAID will embark on its voyage to Northern Europe from Busan in South Korea.