CMA CGM launches world’s largest LNG-powered containership

Worldwide shipping and logistics group CMA CGM Group on Wednesday (25 September) announced the launch of the world's largest containership powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the Shanghai Jiangnan-Changxing Shipyard.

The CMA CGM Jacques Saade is the first of nine 23,000-TEU containerships that would be the world’s first to be powered by LNG.

The vessel uses of a number of environmental technologies including a hydrodynamically optimised hull form, and the Becker Twisted Fin®.

It is also equipped with a smart system to manage ventilation for the reefer containers carried in the hold.

In addition to its environment features, the newbuilding offers a state-of-the-art bridge design through four innovations to assist the Captain and crew:

• a tactical display offering enhanced map views for more dynamic navigation briefings
• a path prediction system optimised to display the ship’s predicted position in the next three minutes
• a smart eye system projecting a bird’s-eye view of the ship’s surrounding area augmented reality screens offering the crew precise information on the ship's rate of rotation, distance from the wharf and transverse speeds.

“With the launching of the first 23,000-TEU ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas, we demonstrate that energy transition can be effectively successful in our industry if all the players work together,” said Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, during the launch event.

“It paves the way to a global shipping approach where economic growth and competitiveness can coexist with sustainability and the fight against climate change.”

Photo credit: CMA CGM
Published: 26 September, 2019