Global shipping and logistics group CMA CGM has launched the world’s largest containership powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the first in a new fleet of nine French-flagged, 23,000-TEU, LNG-powered containerships.
Launched September 25 at the Shanghai Jiangnan-Changxing Shipyard, the CMA CGM Jacques Saade is one of a series of nine ultra-large containerships ordered in 2017 by Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and chief executive officer of the CMA CGM group.
These new vessels will join the group’s fleet in 2020 on the French Asia Line (Asia-Northern Europe) and will be registered in the French International Register.
The nine newbuilds will feature a state-of-the-art bridge design, the world’s first to deliver four major innovations to assist the captain and crew.
The CMA CGM Jacques Saade will also be equipped with a smart system to manage ventilation for the reefer containers carried in the hold.
To further improve the environmental performance of the CMA CGM Jacques Saade and her sister ships, their hull forms have been hydrodynamically optimized. The bulb has been seamlessly integrated into the hull profile and the bow is straight. The propeller and rudder blade have also been improved, along with the Becker Twisted Fin.
The vessels, 400 meters long and 61 meters wide, will be distinguished from the rest of the fleet by a special livery displaying an “LNG POWERED” logo.
Rodolphe Saadé said the launching of the group’s first 23,000-TEU ship powered by LNG demonstrates that “energy transition can be effectively successful in our industry if all the players work together. It paves the way to a global shipping approach where economic growth and competitiveness can coexist with sustainability and the fight against climate change.”
A clean energy, LNG helps to reduce emissions of sulfur oxides and fine particles by 99%, nitrogen oxides emissions by up to 85%, and carbon dioxide emissions by around 20%.
From January 1, 2020, the “sulfur 2020” rule of the International Maritime Organization will be implemented. Under this regulation, the sulfur content of fuel oil used by ships operating outside designated emission control areas shall not exceed 0.50%, representing an 80% cut from the current 3.50% limit.
Photo courtesy of CMA CGM
