CMA CGM and Shanghai International Port complete 100th SIMOPS LNG bunkering

French shipping major CMA CGM and China’s Shanghai International Port (Group) have completed the 100th simultaneous operation (SIMOPS) LNG bunkering at the Shanghai Yangshan terminal.

According to CMA CGM, this milestone bunkering of the CMA CGM Patagonia vessel not only marks a “significant achievement” but also sets a new record for the largest single refueling volume in China: an 11,500 cbm of LNG. This was accomplished while “seamlessly” conducting simultaneous operations, including cargo handling and maintenance, CMA CGM said.

To note, the 15,000 TEU dual-fuel CMA CGM Patagonia was launched in January 2021 and named at China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) Jiangnan Shipyard in September 2021. The vessel features a length of 366 meters, a beam of 51.2 meters and a draft of 16 meters.

As for the partnership between CMA CGM and Shanghai International Port, the two parties signed a 10-year LNG bunkering service deal in January 2022, and in March 2022, they completed China’s “first” ship-to-ship LNG simultaneous operation (SIMOPS) bunkering. On the occasion, the 15,000 TEU CMA CGM SYMI received fuel at Yangshan Port.

In other news, CMA CGM revealed that by 2024, its fleet will include 71 LNG vessels – and by 2028, a total of 126 – all biomethane ready, contributing to the company’s mission of reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.

“This progress is the result of continuous innovation, from advanced LNG engines to emission-reduction technologies, all aimed at driving long-term sustainability in the shipping industry,” CMA CGM stated.