CMA CGM trials a windshield on board its boxship to cut emissions

French container shipping major CMA CGM has equipped its ultra-large containership CMA CGM Marco Polo with a new windshield prototype. 

The device improves a vessel’s aerodynamics resulting in lower fuel consumption and thus contributing to a lower carbon footprint of the vessel, the shipowner said.

The company revealed that the installation process on board the 16,000 TEU vessel required over six months of development and installation. The containership was built in 2012 by South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME).

“If the results are conclusive, the same windshield will be installed in other CMA CGM vessels,” CMA CGM announced.

The initiative forms part of the company’s decarbonization efforts as CMA CGM seeks to become net zero by 2050.

CMA CGM follows in the footsteps of Ocean Network Express (ONE) which has also fitted the so-called ‘wind deflector’ on board its containership ONE Trust.

The equipment plays the role of a windshield and is aimed at improving the ship’s aerodynamics.

The device is being trialed as part of the shipowner’s energy transition strategy as the company looks at ways of reducing its carbon footprint and meeting environmental regulations set to enter into force.

When approached for a comment on the installation, ONE Spokesperson confirmed to Offshore Energy that the company would be installing the device on its future new build vessels as well.

“We will evaluate and consider installing the devices on our existing vessels,” the company added in a statement.