The world’s fourth largest ocean carrier CMA CGM has announced that it has taken delivery of the CMA CGM Fort de France, one of four new container ships serving the French West Indies.
With a capacity of 3,500 TEU and a length of 219 metres, the Fort de France features a draft which is adapted to West Indies ports.
In addition to this, the new vessel is equipped with a large number of plugs for 850 refrigerated containers, allowing perishable goods such as bananas to be transported in optimal conditions.
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Following the delivery of the Fort de France, the shipping company will take delivery of three identical vessels during the spring and summer of 2019.
These vessels will be named the CMA CGM Fort Royal, the CMA CGM Fort Saint Charles, and the CMA CGM Fort Fleur D’Epee.
This fleet of cargo ships will sail under the French flag and will be deployed in replacement of the existing “Forts” on the North Europe French West Indies line, which links Europe and Metropolitan France to Guadeloupe and Martinique.
CMA CGM has released a new short film, celebrating their staff and success in 2018: we take a look back at the carrier's busy year… @cmacgm #Advent #Shipping
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— Port Technology (PTI) (@PortTechnology) December 18, 2018
A statement from the company read: “With this modernized fleet, CMA CGM significantly increases its service to the French West Indies while maintaining its quality, its reliability and its regularity.
“The Group thus demonstrates its commitment in favour of these overseas territories, particularly in favour of their economic development.”
In November 2018, CMA CGM reaffirmed its commitment to the region by renewing a contract with UGPBAN, the professional association of banana producers of Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Until 2026, CMA CGM has agreed to transport 270,000 tons of bananas ever year from the French West Indies to Dunkerque, the port of arrival in Metropolitan France.
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