The past few weeks saw three milestones in the world of maritime sustainability and newbuilds, particularly within the fleet of container liners CMA CGM, ONE and OOCL.
On 2 July, French liner CMA CGM christened its new boxship CMA CGM Notre Dame in Le Havre after the vessel completed its first voyage from Asia.
The ship is the largest LNG-powered containership in service and the largest vessel sailing under the French flag. With 399 metres in length and 24,212 TEU, it is the first of 10 ships in a new series by the carrier.
CMA CGM Notre Dame is equipped with AI applications, digital navigation tools and systems designed to support voyage optimisation, energy efficiency and environmental performance, says the liner.
The carrier adds that the 10 vessels in the series will employ 135 French seafarers over the next two years, with further plans to increase its French-flag fleet from 30 to 40 vessels by 2028.
Meanwhile, liner OOCL announced that its first methanol dual-fuel containership, OOCL Wisdom, completed its first green methanol bunkering on 3 July at Qingdao Port.
"OOCL Wisdom is the first in a series of seven methanol dual-fuel container vessels. With a maximum capacity of 24,168 TEU, it is currently the world's largest methanol dual‑fuel container vessel and is deployed on the Asia – North Europe Loop 1 (LL1) service," writes OOCL.
Similarly, the Japanese carrier ONE expanded its eco-friendly series with the addition of the boxship ONE Solidarity.
According to Maritime Executive, ONE Solidarity is part of a group of vessels built in Japan and designed for future conversion to methanol and ammonia fuels and can accommodate carbon capture equipment.
The vessels are equipped with several technologies designed to enhance efficiency, including an optimised hull form, energy-saving devices, a high-performance rudder, low-friction hull coatings and a wind-shielding bow cover.
They also feature hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems, exhaust gas recirculation technology and ballast water treatment equipment.
Following its delivery, ONE Solidarity has commenced its maiden voyage and is scheduled to serve the carrier’s Mediterranean Pacific South (MPS) route.
