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Containerships takes delivery of first LNG-powered newbuild

Containerships takes delivery of first LNG-powered newbuild
Finland’s Containerships, a subsidiary of CMA CGM, has taken delivery of its first LNG-powered vessel.

The 1,400 teu Containerships Nord was delivered by Wenchong Shipyard in China last week. It is the first of four LNG-powered newbuildings with the three sister vessels due to be delivered in the first half of 2019.

Containerships is an early adopter in using LNG as a marine fuel for larger-sized merchant vessels.

“By taking this decision, we accepted the challenge of building with a new technology. It has been a rewarding project full of learning opportunities,” said Containerships’ ceo Kari-Pekka Laaksonen.

“This project has required high levels of expertise and constant development. Success requires excellent co-operation between the involved parties. Needless to describe how proud and enthusiastic we are of having received the first vessel.”

Read more: CMA CGM to buy Containerships strengthening its intra-Europe business

The vessel will be deployed on intra-Europe on the Baltic trades. Containerships plans not only to use LNG at sea but also for delivery on land with a fleet of LNG-powered trucks.

Containerships was acquired by CMA CGM at the start of November, which also has committed to using LNG as marine fuel with a series of nine 22,000 teu newbuildings under construction.

Read more: Why CMA CGM ordered 'game changing' 22,000 teu LNG-powered containerships

Analyst Alphaliner noted in its weekly newsletter: “Thanks to the moderate distances within the intra-Europe regional trades of both Containerships and CMA CGM, frequent gas refills will be a viable option.”

Laaksonen said: “CMA CGM is the first deep sea shipping line that has made public its commitment to LNG. There is a great synergy in our environmentally-friendly visions, which naturally gives us even more courage to continue on the chosen path.”