CMA CGM launches its 400th vessel, a methanol dual-fuel ship, as it aims to become the world's second-largest container carrier.
The French container shipping company CMA CGM is preparing to launch its 400th vessel while continuing its growth strategy. The company announced that this new vessel, added to its total fleet of over 650 ships, is the first of a new series of methanol dual-fuel vessels.
With this step, CMA CGM emphasizes that it is rapidly approaching its goal of becoming the world's second-largest container shipping company, surpassing its Danish competitor Maersk.
Serving Over 420 Ports Across Five Continents
According to a statement from the company, as of today, CMA CGM provides regular service to over 420 ports across five continents. The company, which is expected to carry over 23 million TEUs in 2024, holds significant weight in global container shipping.
According to Alphaliner data, CMA CGM's fleet consists of 712 container ships, and the growth trend continues. Analysts note that the French carrier is on track to surpass Maersk's capacity as of last year.
Capacity Race Heats Up
According to the Alphaliner ranking, CMA CGM's total capacity stands at 4,155,811 TEUs. Maersk's current capacity is 4,629,755 TEUs. In this context, the French carrier is only about 11.5% behind Maersk's capacity.
However, CMA CGM has a strong order book of 147 vessels. These orders represent an additional capacity of 1,870,454 TEUs. In contrast, Maersk's order book is limited to 79 ships and an additional capacity of 1,033,434 TEUs.
Maersk had stated that it aims to maintain its current capacity in its transoceanic shipping strategy. Nevertheless, both companies lag significantly behind MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. According to Alphaliner data, MSC has a capacity of 7,154,803 TEUs with 976 vessels and approximately 2.1 million TEUs of ordered additional capacity.
CMA CGM Monte Cristo Enters Service
CMA CGM introduced the vessel named CMA CGM Monte Cristo, built at the DSIC Tianjin Shipyard in China, as the 400th ship in its fleet. The naming ceremony for the vessel was held on January 21. The vessel is planned to commence commercial service on January 29.
CMA CGM Monte Cristo will operate between North Asia, the Levant region of the Mediterranean, and the Adriatic Sea.
In the company statement, it was noted that 'This significant milestone reflects the group's long-term investment strategy based on ship ownership and the integration of advanced technologies aimed at enhancing the fleet's environmental and operational performance.'
Next-Generation Methanol-Fueled Series
CMA CGM Monte Cristo is the first vessel of a new series consisting of six methanol-fueled container ships. The vessel has a maximum capacity of 16,204 TEUs, including approximately 1,000 refrigerated container plugs.
The ship, which has a carrying capacity of 156,100 deadweight tons, will be operated under the Maltese flag. A crew of 23 will serve on the 366-meter-long vessel.
2031 Goal: 200 Dual-Fuel Ships
CMA CGM announced that it currently has 11 vessels capable of using methanol as a primary fuel. It is noted that with 24 methanol-fueled ships in the ordering phase, the company is approaching half of this target.
The group aims to operate approximately 200 dual-fuel (LNG and methanol) container ships by 2031 as part of its low-carbon energy operating strategy.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
