Maritime transport leader CMA CGM Group used the platform of COP23 in Bonn to advise the market of their decision to power nine 22,000 TEU newbuilds with engines using liquefied natural gas (LNG). The company says this makes it the first in the world to equip giant containerships with this type of motorisation, thus pursuing its firm commitment to the protection of the environment and to ocean conservation.

The use of LNG is a real technological breakthrough that will yield significant benefits compared to heavy fuel oil:

• up to 25% less CO2,
• 99% less sulphur emissions,
• 99% less fine particles,
• 85% less nitrogen oxides emissions

Moreover, the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), which measures a ship’s environmental footprint, is improved by 20% compared to ships only propelled by fuel oil. Although these ships will predominantly use LNG, a small amount of marine gas oil will be required for the ignition in the combustion chamber.

By choosing LNG, the CMA CGM Group goes beyond current and future regulations that limit the sulphur cap to 0.5% in 2020. The Group is also fully in line with the Paris Agreement and the ongoing discussions at the international level.

Planet protection central to decision-making

The CMA CGM Group is firmly committed to the reduction of its carbon footprint for the protection of the environment and the preservation of the oceans and biodiversity. Between 2005 and 2015, the Group reduced its CO2 emissions per container transported per kilometer by 50% and has set up an ambitious plan to further reduce its CO2 emissions by 30% between 2015 and 2025.

On the occasion of this important announcement, Rodolphe Saadé, CMA CGM Group CEO, stated: “We have made the bold decision to equip our future 22,000 TEUs vessels with a technology firmly focused on the protection of the environment. By choosing LNG, CMA CGM confirms its ambition to be a leading force in the industry in environmental protection by being a pioneer in innovative and eco-responsible technologies.”

Order of 9 container ships of 22,000 TEU

In order to keep pace with market growth and the Group’s needs, the Board of Directors of CMA CGM earlier this year approved the order for 9 container ships of 22,000 TEU. This order, of which the first ships will come into service from the end of 2019, will further reduce unit transport costs, particularly on the Asia-Europe routes.

Source: CMA CGM Group