FRENCH shipping giant CMA CGM has launched the 23,000 TEU CMA CGM Jacques Saade, the world's largest LNG-powered ship at China's Shanghai Jiangnan-Changxing Shipyard.

The vessel, named in honour of CMA CGM founder Jacques Saade who died last year, is the first in a series of nine vessels that will run on what is considered to be the most environmentally friendly fuel. The French carrier said LNG reduces sulphur oxide and fine particle emissions by 99 per cent, nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85 per cent and CO2 emissions by around 20 per cent.



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



'To further improve the environmental performance of the CMA CGM Jacques Saade and her sister ships, their hull forms have been hydrodynamically optimised. The bulb has been seamlessly integrated into the hull profile and the bow is straight. The propeller and rudder blade have also been improved, along with the Becker twisted fin,' the shipping line said.



At the launching ceremony, Rodolphe Saade, chairman and chief executive of the CMA CGM group, said: 'With the launching of the first 23,000 TEU ship powered by liquified natural gas, we demonstrate that energy transition can be effectively successful in our industry if all the players work together.



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



The CMA CGM Jacques Saade is set to enter formal service next year on the Ocean Alliance's Asia-North Europe services.



Industry analyst Alphaliner said the delivery of the vessel and orders for other LNG-powered units meant 'the carrier has clearly taken the lead when it comes to the commitment to natural gas as alternative fuel for container vessels,' reports London's Loadstar.


WORLD SHIPPING