CMA CGM launches first of 9 LNG-powered mega box ships

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Marseille-based CMA CGM has deployed the first of a series of nine 23,000-TEU container ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making the newbuild the world’s first and largest LNG-run container vessel.

The deployment of CMA CGM Jacques Saade on the Asia-Northern Europe route was marked by a digital naming ceremony witnessed by the shipyard’s representatives in Shanghai, China and CMA CGM group’s management in Marseille, France.

In November 2017, CMA CGM decided to equip this series of container ships with LNG-powered engines as an initial step towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

CMA CGM in an official statement released September 22 said LNG is the most advanced solution in preserving air quality. It enables a 99% reduction in sulfur dioxide and fine particle emissions, and an 85% reduction in nitrogen dioxide emissions, going well above and beyond existing regulation. LNG emits up to 20% less CO2 compared to fuel motorization.

In addition to LNG motorization, the nine vessels—which will bear an “LNG Powered” label—offer advanced technologies that include a cockpit that features the latest embedded digital technologies to improve port maneuvers.

They also feature a redesigned straight bow with an integrated bulb, a redesigned rudder, and a redesigned propeller, all of which substantially improve the vessels’ hydrodynamics to reduce energy consumption.

CMA CGM’s new flagship is named after its founder, Jacques Saadé, and will be registered at the French International Register (FIR).

The eight 23,000-TEU sister ships will also be registered at FIR and will bear the names of landmark Parisian monuments, venues and institutions, namely, Champs Elysées, Palais Royal, Louvre, Rivoli, Montmartre, Concorde, Trocadéro, and Sorbonne.

Total has been chosen to supply the fleet with gas.

CMA CGM Jacques Saade will start its maiden voyage on September 23 on the French Asia Line (FAL). Its rotation will include the ports of Busan in South Korea; Tianjin, Ningbo, Shanghai and Yantian, China; Singapore; Southampton, Dunkirk, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Algeciras in Europe; and Port Klang in Malaysia. This line provides a weekly service comprising 13 calls over the course of 84 days.

Photo courtesy of CMA CGM