The CMA CGM Group will equip its nine new 22,000 TEU vessels with engines that burn liquefied natural gas.

“We have made the bold decision to equip our future 22,000 TEUs vessels with a technology firmly focused on the protection of the environment,” said Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of the CMA CGM Group, speaking at the 23rd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn. “By choosing LNG, CMA CGM confirms its ambition to be a leading force in the industry in environmental protection by being a pioneer in innovative and eco-responsible technologies.”

The ships will be built by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd., and will be delivered in 2020.

CMA CGM will become the first shipping company in the world to equip mega container ships with LNG motorization, which uses up to 25% less CO2 and produces fewer emissions compared to heavy fuel oil.

Only a small amount of marine gas oil will only be used for ignition in the combustion chamber.

The CMA CGM Group reduced its CO2 emissions by 50% per container transported per kilometre between 2005 and 2015, and plans to further reduce them by 30% between 2015 and 2025.