Construction starts on CMA CGM’s first methanol dual-fuel 15K TEU boxship

Chinese shipyard Dalian Shipbuilding Industry (DSIC), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), has started construction of the first 15,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel containership being built for French shipping major CMA CGM Group.

As informed, the ship will have a total length of 366 meters, a width of 51 meters, and a depth of 30.2 meters. In addition to conventional containers, it can also carry 1,000 refrigerated containers.

The containership will be able to use methanol as a fuel, as well as conventional fuel. Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted to supply methanol-fueled auxiliary engines for the vessels.

By using green methanol, the company expects to achieve net-zero emissions and fully meet the current environmental protection emission standards for the maritime sector. The energy efficiency design index (EEDI) of the newly ordered ships is 60% below the requirement, to meet the most stringent emission requirements in the world.

Furthermore, the unit adopts a new line shape and will come equipped with large-size propellers, energy-saving devices in front of the propellers, and high-efficiency rudders. It has a design speed of 21 knots and can carry 8,300 tons of methanol fuel and 6,000 tons of fuel oil.

To remind, CMA CGM signed an agreement to construct sixteen large containerships worth more than $3.06 billion with CSSC back in April 2023.

The order comprises twelve 15,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel powered large containerships and four 23,000 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel powered container vessels.

The 15,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel powered large containerships will be built by Jiangnan Shipyard and Dalian Shipbuilding.

The deal is being made as part of CMA CGM’s decarbonization agenda which has seen over 77 ‘green’ ships ordered over the past ten years worth $10.2 billion. These vessels are predominantly LNG-powered and “e-methane ready” vessels of which 32 are already in operation.