CMA CGM to promote use of LNG bunkers

The MoU inked by the two French companies will focus on coming up with a technical and economic study on LNG as marine fuel, and development of engineering specifications for a bunkering vessel adapted to LNG-powered containerships.

“Liquefied natural gas has many environmental advantages. It is undoubtedly the fuel of the future of the maritime shipping industry that will progressively substitute heavy fuel oil over the next few decades. CMA CGM wishes to be a pioneer in this area,” said Farid Salem, executive officer of CMA CGM.

The use of the clean gas will help container shipping reduce emissions including carbon dioxide, sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter.

The latest agreement rounds out the research programs undertaken by CMA CGM since 2011 to design more environmental-friendly large containerships.

The programs included the development of a dual-fuel containership whose propulsion system offers to choose between using LNG or fuel oil only. Another project aims at designing large containerships using a combined gas and steam turbine system for propulsion.

“For ENGIE, natural gas is a key element in the energy transition. The group is actively engaged in the development of the diverse uses of retail LNG, especially for transportation. Ultimately, LNG as marine fuel will lead to a massive reduction in pollutant emissions,” said Isabelle Kocher, ceo of ENGIE.

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