CMA CGM received a new 13,000 TEU container ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). CMA CGM Paraty. The ceremony took place recently and marked the launch of the French company’s third LNG-powered dual-fuel vessel in a series of six units.
The 336 meter long and 51 meter wide motor ship is part of the $2.3 billion contract with the Chinese shipyard Hudong Zhonghua which was agreed in April 2021.
The ship is equipped with a 14,000 cubic meter Mark III LNG cargo tank. It features an improved main engine that features the latest ICER (Intelligent Controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, which aims to reduce methane emissions by approximately 50% in gas mode, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 28%.
The ship also features flexible container loading technology and uses energy-saving channels, rudder balls and other devices to improve its performance.
Hundong-Zhonghua said the first ship in this series has successfully completed its regular sea trials, while the construction of the second ship at the dock is progressing smoothly. Ship #4 has already begun docking, and ship #5 is scheduled to dock on September 25.
It is recalled that in April 2023, CMA CGM placed a huge new order worth $3.06 billion with a contract with the company China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) for the construction of 16 large container ships.
The order includes twelve 15,000 TEU dual-fuel methanol container ships and four 23,000 TEU dual-fuel LNG container ships.
The deal is part of CMA CGM’s decarbonization agenda, which has ordered more than 77 “green” ships worth $10.2 billion over the past decade. These ships are predominantly LNG-powered and “e-methane capable” ships, 32 of which are already in operation.
The company also has six biomethanol-powered and e-methanol-capable vessels that will be available by the end of 2026.
The company was then awarded an order for ten 24,000 TEU container ships Jiangsu Yangzijiang China, delivery is scheduled for 2026. The means of transport runs on dual-fuel LNG.
Earlier this month, CMA CGM announced a decarbonization partnership with its Danish counterpart AP Moller Maersk. The duo plans to work on developing the use of greener alternative fuels to power container ships, with a focus on developing standards for the use and production of green methane and green methanol, while also addressing the entire life cycle and associated greenhouse gas emissions to be analyzed.
In addition, the companies plan to participate in setting and maintaining operating standards for environmentally friendly methanol vessels, particularly in the areas of safety and bunkering procedures. They also want to accelerate the preparation of ports for bunkering operations and the supply of bio/e-methanol to critical ports around the world.
Eventually, the two major companies will join forces in the research and development of other alternative fuels such as ammonia.
