CMA CGM Launches Innovative Container Ships with LNG Powered Vessels

In a landmark achievement, CMA CGM, a global powerhouse in maritime and logistics solutions, is heralding the delivery of the CMA CGM MERMAID, the maiden vessel in a revolutionary series of 10 container ships meticulously designed to elevate energy performance. Fuelled by the eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), these vessels represent a monumental stride in the quest to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable shipping practices, as underscored by the company's recent release.

The genesis of these groundbreaking vessels can be traced to a collaborative effort involving CMA CGM, Chantiers de l'Atlantique, and Hyundai Heavy Industries. The resultant vessels showcase a distinctive design meticulously crafted to optimize energy efficiency and foster environmental sustainability. With an impressive up to -20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional maritime fuel designs, these ships unequivocally echo CMA CGM's resolute commitment to the pivotal cause of decarbonization.

The CMA CGM MERMAID stands as a testament to the company's fleet renewal program, a testament to an investment exceeding $15 billion. The company has set an ambitious target of deploying nearly 120 ships powered by low-carbon energies by 2028, aligning with its overarching Net Zero Carbon commitment slated for 2050.

This fleet of vessels features an avant-garde architecture developed in collaboration with industry luminaries, including Chantiers de l'Atlantique and Odense Marine Technique. The innovative design integrates enhanced hydrodynamic and aerodynamic features, strategically positioning superstructures at the front to optimize loading capacity and aerodynamics. This meticulous design translates to a commendable 15% reduction in fuel consumption per trip.

The vessels are propelled by the potent force of LNG, a move that not only significantly curtails emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and fine particles but also exhibits flexibility by accommodating biogas. Moreover, they are designed to be convertible to e-methane, thereby offering an additional avenue to further diminish their carbon footprint.

These vessels are not just vessels; they are marvels of technology and innovation, equipped with cutting-edge technologies that underscore CMA CGM's commitment to sustainability. An onboard fuel cell powered by hydrogen is one such advanced feature, facilitating the vessels in achieving zero emissions during berthed periods.

The CMA CGM Group, a colossal player in the maritime domain, operates a fleet of approximately 620 ships and provides services to over 420 ports globally. This latest venture signifies not just a technological leap forward but also a commitment to pioneering positive change in the maritime industry, setting new standards for sustainable shipping practices. The CMA CGM MERMAID and its counterparts are not just vessels; they are emissaries of a greener, more sustainable future for maritime transport.