VIDEO: CMA-CGM launches world’s largest LNG-powered containership

Written by Nick Blenkey
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The CMA CGM Jacques Saadé, the world's first 23,000 TEU containership powered by LNG

China’s Shanghai Jiangnan-Changxing Shipyard yesterday launched the
CMA CGM Jacques Saadé, the first in a new fleet of nine French-flagged, 23,000-TEU, LNG-powered containerships that will join the group’s fleet in 2020 on the French Asia Line (Asia-Northern Europe).

The ships will each be powered a Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd (WinGD) 12-cylinder X92DF engine (12X92DF), rated at 63,840 kW at 80 rpm.

In addition to being LNG fueled, the ships feature numerous other technological advances, including a state-of-the-art bridge design featuring four major innovations to assist the Captain and crew:

  • a tactical display offering enhanced map views for more dynamic navigation briefings
  • a path prediction system optimized to display the ship’s predicted position in the next three minutes
  • a smart eye system projecting a bird’s-eye view of the ship’s surrounding area
  • augmented reality screens offering the crew precise information on the ship’s rate of rotation, distance from the wharf and transverse speeds.

CMA CGM Jacques Saadé, will also be equipped with a smart system to manage ventilation for the reefer containers carried in the hold.

The hull forms of the 400 meters long by 61 meters wide ships have been hydrodynamically optimized. The bulb has been seamlessly integrated into the hull profile and the bow is straight. The propeller and rudder blade have also been improved, with the vessels being fitted with the Becker Twisted Fin Mewis Duct.

The lead ship in the series is named for the group’s founder, visionary entrepreneur, Jacques Saadé. During the launch event, his son, Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, said: “With the launching of the first 23,000-TEU ship powered by Liquified Natural Gas, we demonstrate that energy transition can be 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.”

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