First ammonia-ready boxship delivered to CMB for CMA CGM charter

Photo: Qingdao Shipyard CMA-CGM-Masai-Mara.jpg
The world’s first ammonia-ready containership CMA CGM Masai Mara built by the Chinese shipbuilder Qingdao Shipyard was delivered on 23 May.

The 5,900-teu vessel was built for Belgian shipowner CMB and the boxship will be operated by French liner major CMA CGM.

The CMA CGM Masai Mara features include a high level of automation and an innovative ammonia/diesel dual-fuel propulsion system.

The shipbuilder said that the vessel has low energy consumption and that its design features allow for compliance with all the latest regulations of the International Maritime Organization.

The vessel belongs to a new generation of medium-sized containerships optimised for regional container transportation and can be deployed on various non-polar global routes, offering flexibility in their utilisation.

The naming ceremony also served as an occasion for the launching of Masai Mara’s sister ship, CV5900-02 to be named CMA CGM Khao Sok. The two vessels form part of a deal for a total of six vessels.

CMB has been a staunch supporter of alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia. The company’s subsidiary Bocimar is building up to nine ammonia-powered Newcastlemaxes in China in cooperation with WinGD.

CMB’s subsidiary CMB.TECH has developed concrete applications with dual-fuel and monofuel hydrogen engines.