CMA CGM names its first ultra-large boxship in 2022

Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, has finished the construction of the fourth 15,000 TEU ultra-large container ship for the French shipping major CMA CGM.

The naming ceremony for the CMA CGM Apollon took place on 4 January on Changxing Island. It is the first vessel in the company’s fleet to celebrate its naming in 2022.

CMA CGM Apollon is the fourth in a series of five conventionally-powered 15,000 TEU ultra-large container ships ordered by CMA CGM. Like its sister ships, it is named after ancient Greek and Egyptian mythological figures.

According to the shipbuilder, the vessel features the most advanced design and technology in the shipping industry, including 100% digital driving, a centralized control room and an innovative propeller and rudder.

CMA CGM Apollon, registered at the French International Register (RIF), has a total length of 366 metres and a width of 51 metres. The number of cargo tanks and deck stacks reaches 22 layers, the load capacity reaches 15,536 TEUs, and it can independently load 1,800 refrigerated containers.

As described, the ship’s main engine and generator are equipped with nitrogen removal devices and hybrid desulfurization devices, which can meet the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx).

Furthermore, the ship’s dock cycle was shortened by one and a half months during the trials as compared to the previous ship, achieving the goal of the shorter construction cycle and higher product quality, Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding said.