CMA CGM receives LNG-powered ULCS series flagship

The ultra large container ship (ULCS), named for CMA CGM’s founder, is the first in a series of nine LNG-powered container vessels that will sail under the French flag.

“This vessel has been enhanced with the latest technologies and is the result of seven years of research and development," current CMA CGM chairman and chief executive Rodolphe Saadé said.

"It significantly improves the environmental footprint of carried goods. We have taken a big step forward. We need to go further to build transport that is even more respectful of the environment.”

The company said the decision to turn to LNG was driven by a need to preserve air quality. LNG enables a 99% reduction in sulphur dioxide and fine particle emissions, and an 85% reduction in nitrogen dioxide emissions and emits fewer CO₂ emissions than traditional marine diesel fuels.

In addition to LNG propulsion, Jaques Saade and the rest of the series of ships have a redesigned straight bow with an integrated bulb, a redesigned rudder, and a redesigned propeller which are expected to improve the vessels’ hydrodynamics and reduce energy consumption. The integrated LNG membrane tanks take the shape of the hull and help to save space on board.

The series was ordered in 2017 from three state-run shipyards belonging to China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The 400-m by 61-m vessels will rank among the largest container ships in the world.

Jacques Saade will began its maiden voyage on 23 September on the French-Asia Line. Its rotation will take it to the ports of Pusan in South Korea; Tianjin, Ningbo, Shanghai and Yantian, China; Singapore; Southampton, Dunkirk, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Algeciras in Europe; and Port Kelang in Malaysia. This line provides a weekly service comprising 13 calls over the course of 84 days.

A number of companies partnered in the construction project including Bio-UV, CSSC, LNG pump provider Cryostar, The Port of Rotterdam, Bureau Veritas, French winch provider BLM, Schneider Electric and Sperry Marine.

WinGD served as the primary engine designer while Wärtsilä handled systems and auxiliary systems.

Oil and gas firm Total will provide LNG refuelling services. In December 2019 Total and CMA CGM signed an agreement for the supply of approximately 270,000 tonnes of LNG per year over 10 years.