The ‘CMA CGM Monte Cristo’, the first in a series of six 15,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ships, classed by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) and built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry (DSIC) Tianjin for the CMA CGM Group, has recently been delivered.
CMA CGM Monte Cristo measures 366m in length, 51m in width, and 30.2m in depth, with a capacity of 16,204 TEU. As a New-Panamax-class vessel, it incorporates optimised hull lines, high-efficiency propellers, and pre-swirl energy-saving devices, achieving an EEDI more than 60% below the baseline. The vessel is considered a key asset in CMA CGM’s strategy to upgrade its green fleet and marks the first large-scale collaboration between BV and DSIC Tianjin in the field of large green container ships.
To support the first-time application of methanol dual-fuel technology at DSIC Tianjin, BV mobilised a cross-disciplinary expert team. The headquarters team provided critical data analysis for shaft alignment calculations, while gas carrier specialists offered on-site guidance for fuel system commissioning and conducted methanol fuel system training.
During sea trials, BV surveyors were fully engaged in dual-fuel propulsion tests, assisting the shipyard in completing key milestones such as methanol-mode main engine commissioning, emission monitoring, fuel switching, and unmanned engine room validation. The successful first-attempt endurance test of the main engine in methanol mode laid a solid foundation for the vessel’s on-time delivery.
The delivery of the 15,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship represents a significant project in BV’s participation in the batch construction of methanol-powered vessels for China State Shipbuilding Corporation. BV and DSIC have a long-standing collaboration spanning various ship types, including FPSOs, oil tankers, bulk carriers, and container vessels. As early as 2012, the two parties jointly delivered multiple 9,200 TEU container ships for CMA CGM, laying the groundwork for subsequent large container ship projects.
In recent years, the partnership has deepened through joint developments in green ship designs such as LNG dual-fuel VLCCs, ammonia bunkering vessels, and wind-assisted LNG carriers, which have received BV’s approval in principle (AIP). Currently, BV and DSIC are collaborating on various projects at both the Dalian and Tianjin bases, working together to advance the application of green propulsion technologies in large vessels.
Alex Gregg-Smith, President, BV Marine & Offshore, said: “The successful delivery of CMA CGM Monte Cristo not only marks a milestone in the collaboration among BV, CMA CGM, and DSIC Tianjin, but also injects new momentum into the green and high-end transformation of China’s shipbuilding industry. BV remains committed to leveraging its expertise in international regulations, green certification, and safety technologies to support Chinese shipyards and global shipowners in achieving their low-carbon transition goals.”
Image: ‘CMA CGM Monte Cristo’ delivery (source: Bureau Veritas)
