The CMA CGM Group has taken delivery of the ‘CMA CGM Mermaid’, the first in a series of 10 new 2,000 TEU container feeder ships powered by LNG, which will be progressively deployed in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
These new vessels, with an original design aimed at improving energy efficiency and environmental performance, will join the CMA CGM fleet of around 620 vessels, including more than 30 already powered by alternative energies. These ships will emit up to 20% less CO2 compared to a similar-sized ship burning conventional VLSFO fuel.
This delivery is part of CMA CGM’s fleet renewal program, in which the group has invested more than US$ 15bn. It is considered to bring the group one step closer to meeting its objective of net zero carbon by 2050. By 2028, nearly 120 ships will be powered by low-carbon energies.
The new series was designed in close collaboration with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, with input from Danish engineering firm Odense Marine Technique (OMT). CMA CGM entrusted the construction of the ships to Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) in South Korea. GTT, a French company and expert in technologies for the maritime transport and storage of LNG, worked closely on the project for the design and conception of the gas system and storage tank with total capacity of 1,053m3. Close collaboration between the shipowner, engineering firm, equipment supplier, and shipbuilder has, according to CMA CGM, given rise to a new model of container ship, with renewed profile and technical characteristics.
The hull features a ratio of 204.29m long to 29.6m wide, in order to improve the ships’ hydrodynamic and aerodynamic performance. The new series is the first in the CMA CGM fleet with superstructures at the front, to ensure better aerodynamic performance and higher loading capacity compared to conventional architecture. A new, almost inverted straight bow with an integrated bow bulb further improves hydrodynamic performance to reduce fuel consumption by 15% per trip.
These ships are powered by a 12MW MAN dual-fuel engine, capable of being fuelled by biogas (-67% CO2e) produced from waste and can be upgraded to e-methane (-85% CO2e) produced from decarbonised hydrogen. The 10 new feeder ships will be equipped with an alternator coupled to the main propulsion engine, which will provide the energy needed to power the onboard electrical installations at sea.
CMA CGM considers the latest outstanding innovation to be one of the most powerful fuel cells aboard a ship. It is on track to be mounted on the last of the series which is scheduled for delivery in January 2025. As the fuel cell is powered by hydrogen, and has energy capacity of 1MW, this ship will have zero emissions when berthed.
Delivered progressively between February 2024 and January 2025, the 10 new vessels will transport goods over short distances, mainly in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean where they can offer a more energy-efficient alternative to road transport.
Image: CMA CGM Mermaid (credit: CMA CGM)
