CMA CGM first shipping company to choose liquefied natural gas for container ships

The CMA CGM Group, a world leader in maritime transport, is pleased to announce its decision to equip 9 ships of 22,000 TEUs, which will be ready in 2020, with engines using liquefied natural gas (LNG). The news of this decision coincides with the start of the COP23 in Bonn, Germany. CMA CGM is the first shipping company in the world to equip these giant container ships with engines of this type. This step clearly shows the future-oriented vision of the company and its serious commitment to the protection of the environment and the conservation of the oceans.

Global innovation: CMA CGM first shipping company to choose LNG for its container ships

The environmental advantages of a technological breakthrough

The use of LNG has significant environmental benefits compared to marine fuel oil:

• up to 25% less CO2 emissions

• 99% less sulfur emissions

• 99% less particulate matter emissions

• 85% less nitrogen oxides emissions

These container ships will be LNG-powered and only a small amount of marine fuel oil is necessary for the ignition in the combustion chamber. As a result the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), which measures a ship’s environmental footprint, is improved by 20% compared to ships that run on fuel oil.

By choosing LNG, the CMA CGM Group is already ahead of existing and future environmental regulations and requirements, which limit, among others, the sulfur content to 0.5% for ship fuels in 2020. Furthermore, this step is in line with the objectives of the UN Climate Change Conference (the Paris Agreement).

CMA CGM Group innovative and ambitious in protecting our planet

The CMA CGM Group is committed to reduce its carbon footprint to protect the environment and preserve the oceans and the planet’s biodiversity.

In the time period from 2005 to 2015, the CMA CGM has reduced its CO2 emissions by 50%, per transported container per kilometer. And CMA CGM has begun the ambitious plan to continue to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30% between 2015 and 2025.

Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of the CMA CGM Group, announced on this important occasion: “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. This decision for LNG reaffirms CMA CGM’s ambition to be a leading force in environmental protection in the industry and a pioneer in innovative and eco-responsible technologies.”

Source: hafen-hamburg