The CMA CGM Group announced the launching of CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE, the world’s largest containership (23,000 TEU) powered by LNG. This major milestone in the construction of this ultra large containership was reached at the Shanghai Jiangnan-Changxing Shipyard, at an event attended by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, French and Chinese officials, business leaders and CMA CGM Group customers.
CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE is first in a new fleet of French-flagged LNG-powered vessels. In 2017, Rodolphe Saadé announced his decision to order a series of nine 23,000-TEU containerships that would be the world’s first ever to be powered by LNG. Through this strategic choice, the CMA CGM Group reaffirmed its assertive commitment to safeguarding the environment and leading the industry’s energy transition.
These new vessels will join the group’s fleet in 2020 on the French Asia Line (Asia-Northern Europe) and will be registered in the French International Register (RIF), confirming the Group’s commitment to operating under the French flag.
The exceptionally large nine vessels (400 meters long and 61 meters wide) will be distinguished from the rest of the fleet by a special livery proudly displaying an “LNG POWERED” logo, attesting to the major worldwide innovation that LNG propulsion represents on ships of this size.
“With the launching of the first 23,000-TEU ship powered by LNG, 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,” said Rodolphe Saadé.
Source: CMA CGM Group
