CMA CGM subsidiary Containerships’ LNG-powered container vessel successfully underwent its first marine LNG bunkering at the Port of Rotterdam on January 24, 2018, according to a statement.
The company said the M/S Containerships Nord was bunkered with approximately 240 metric tons of marine LNG, liquefied natural gas, enough to power the ship on its roundtrip from Rotterdam to St Petersburg, Russia.
It was carried out at the lay berth in a ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation from Shell’s Bunkering Vessel, the Cardissa.
The M/S Containerships Nord being fuelled with LNG. Credit: Containerships
In future, the bunkering will be carried out at a normal operational berth simultaneously with loading and discharging operations.
This will mean no disadvantages in operative efficiency will occur compared to traditional oil-burning vessels.
How can ports and terminals become more eco-efficient and friendly? Find out with a Port Technology technical paper
The M/S Containerships Nord was unveiled in December 2018 – a story PTI covered – and was the first in a series of LNG-powered vessels designed to help the carrier prepare for the upcoming IMO regulations, due to come into force on January 1, 2020.
It started sailing from China towards Europe in mid-December 2018 and reached European waters after passing the Suez Canal after two and half weeks at sea.
The LNG for Containerships’ fleet of eco-friendly vessels will be provided by Shell after the two parties signed an agreement.
#LNG bunkering of one of our vessel took place in #Rotterdam! The first of many! #CMACGM is fully committed to energy transition in #shipping industry https://t.co/0ksZRgKGhv
— Rodolphe Saade (@RodolpheSaade) January 29, 2019
Speaking about the feat, Tahir Faruqui, General Manager, Shell Global Downstream LNG, said: “We are proud to supply Containerships with a cleaner burning and viable fuel for the shipping industry.
“LNG bunkering is a very safe operation and we look forward to conducting simultaneous operations with Containerships in the future”.
CMA CGM acquired Containerships in November 2018 in order to accelerate its own 2020 preparation, as well as diversify its regional network and offering.
Read more:
