CMA CGM has launched its 23,000-TEU LNG-powered container ship and unveiled its further energy efficiency features
This major milestone in the construction of the world’s first LNG-powered ultra large container ship was reached at the Shanghai Jiangnan-Changxing Shipyard, at an event attended by CMA CGM Group chairman and chief executive officer Rodolphe Saadé, French and Chinese officials, business leaders and CMA CGM Group customers.
In 2017, Rodolphe Saadé announced his decision to order nine 23,000-TEU container ships that would be the world’s first to be powered by LNG.
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 (RIF), confirming the Group’s commitment to operating under the French flag.
CMA CGM said 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 first vessel in this new class of 23,000-TEU LNG-powered container ships, CMA CGM Jacques Saade, will also be equipped with a smart system to manage ventilation for reefer containers carried in the hold.
To further improve the environmental performance of the vessel and its sister ships, their hull forms have been hydrodynamically optimised. 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 large vessels, 400 m long and 61 m wide, will be distinguished from the rest of the fleet by a special livery displaying an LNG powered logo, attesting to the major worldwide innovation that LNG propulsion represents on ships of this size.
During the launch event, Mr Saadé said “With the launching of the first 23,000-TEU ship powered by liquified natural gas, we demonstrate 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.”
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