The CMA CGM Group has embarked on a major programme to build a new class of liquefied natural gas-powered (LNG) vessels as part of its drive to take the shipping industry’s energy transition to the next level.Plans are in place to deliver a new generation of 26 liquefied natural gas-powered containerships by 2022.In November, the shipping line’s f lagship, Jacques Saade, officially the world’s largest containership powered by LNG, began its first bunkering operation at the Port of Rotterdam, which will play a key role in refuelling the line’s LNG-powered fleet which operates regular services between Asia and Europe. This comes after Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, made the decision in November 2017 to order nine 23 000-TEU vessels with an LNG power supply, a first in the history of the shipping industry for vessels of this size.According to Saadé, this pioneering fleet is the product of seven years of research and development efforts. “The fleet will operate on the French-Asia line connecting Asia with Europe. CMA CGM provides a weekly service comprising 13 calls over 84 days. These nine vessels will be registered on the International French Register (RIF).”Following the order of nine vessels, including the Jacques Saade and the recently delivered Champs Elysees, the CMA CGM group now operates seven LNG-powered containerships. This will be increased to a f leet of 26 containerships of various sizes by 2022.LNG is currently the state-of-the-art industry solution for preserving air quality. It delivers a reduction of 99% in sulphur dioxide and fine particle emissions and 85% in nitrogen oxide emissions, surpassing the requirements of current regulations. LNG also provides an initial response to the challenge of tackling climate change. An LNG-powered vessel also emits up to 20% less CO2 than fuel-powered systems. This technology is one of the initial ways in which the CMA CGM Group plans to meet its target of being carbon neutral by 2050 and demonstrates the carrier’s resolve to champion the energy transition in the shipping sector. “The energy transition is well and truly under way at CMA CGM,” said Saadé. “As of November, our f lagship is powered using LNG. By 2022 our LNG-powered fleet will be 26 strong. Through this initiative we are directly addressing the environmental challenges we are faced with. As well as being reliable, LNG is the best available technology for significantly improving air quality and contributing towards tackling global warming.” He said the Jacques Saade had an 18 600-cubic-metre tank and was refuelled with LNG while port handling operations remained under way. Once bunkering was complete, she continued on her maiden voyage, which began after she joined the fleet on September 22.
