French container transportation and shipping company CMA CGM Group has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Engie to encourage the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power next-generation container vessels.

As part of the MoU, both the companies will conduct a joint technical and economic study on the use of LNG as fuel for future container ships.

Additionally, another study will be conducted to develop engineering specifications for a bunkering vessel adapted to LNG powered container vessels.

"With the agreement with ENGIE this allows the company to move one step closer."

The study will also help advance the logistics chain necessary to fuelling LNG vessels, eventually promoting their use.

CMA CGM Group executive officer Farid Salem said: “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.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“CMA CGM wishes to be a pioneer in this area. And with the agreement with ENGIE this allows the company to move one step closer.”

The new partnership will also help CMA CGM’s research programme undertaken since 2011 to design LNG powered container vessels.

In order to realise the goal, the company has already taken part in two different programmes; one for the development of a dual-fuel large capacity container ship.

Developed along with Korean shipbuilder DSME, the design of vessel has been approved by Bureau Veritas.

The second project, which was launched last year, involves the designing of a large capacity container-ship using a combined gas and steam turbine system to power the ship.

DNV, GTT, ABB, Caterpillar, and OMT are also involved in the project.


Image: Deal signing between CMA CGM and Engie. Photo: courtesy of CMA CGM.