CMA CGM is reported to be in serious discussions with Yangzijiang Shipbuilding to potentially construct up to ten 24 000-TEU ships fuelled by methanol, according to Shipping Gazette.
While Yangzijiang has previously built feeder vessels for the carrier, this would be its first order for ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).
The shipyard recently delivered two of these 24 000-TEU behemoths to Mediterranean Shipping Company - the MSC Irina and MSC Loreto – the first in a series of six ships, all of which are being built by Yangzi Xinfu.
Measuring 399.99 metres in length and 61.3 metres in beam, they are the largest boxships yet.
Their energy-saving features include a small bulbous bow, large-diameter propellers, and energy-saving ducts. The vessels are also equipped with an air lubrication system that reduces drag on the hull and shaft generators that generate additional power.
According to shipyard officials, these technologies could result in a 3-4% reduction in energy consumption, thereby cutting CO2 emissions and overall meeting EEDI III.
CMA CGM already has 24 ULCVs powered by methanol on order: six of them with a capacity of 15 000 TEUs and 12 with a capacity of 13 000 TEUs.
