Containerships’ First LNG-Fuelled Ship Sets Sail

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  • World’s first LNG  fuelled vessel Containerships Nord completed its maiden voyage in the port of Rotterdam.
  • CMA CGM’s is expected to take delivery of three more 1,400-TEU vessels capable of LNG bunkering keeping in tune to IMO’s 2020 rule.
  • LNG yields 25 percent less COemissions, 99 percent fewer sulphur emissions, 99 percent less fine particles emissions and 85 percent less nitrogen oxide emissions.

According to Produce Plus, Containerships Nord has completed its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering.

LNG fuelled vessel

The Containerships Nord, a subsidiary of CMA CGM Group, completed its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering (refuelling) at the port of Rotterdam last week.

The intra-Europe subsidiary was acquired by CMA CGM last October and undertook the reportedly unprecedented operation using 234 tonnes of LNG. The vessel is the first LNG-powered ship in CMA CGM’s fleet, and three more 1,400-TEU vessels capable of LNG bunkering will be delivered in the coming months.

Efficient source of fuel

The LNG yields numerous benefits over traditional heavy fuel oil, creating 25 percent less COemissions, 99 percent fewer sulphur emissions, 99 percent less fine particles emissions and 85 percent less nitrogen oxide emissions.

CMA CGM Group said the use of LNG reinforces its commitment to environmental protection and the energy transition of the maritime industry.

Global sulphur cap deadline

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) announced a global 2020 deadline for the global sulphur cap in 2008, with sulphur limitations announced in 2016. Provisions to re-evaluate the industry’s capability to meet the target were set for 2018, when the IMO would decide to either keep the 2020 deadline or extend to 2025.

Shipping companies either have the option to switch to costlier low sulphur fuel oils, LNG, or attach scrubbers (a sulphur cleaning device) to their existing vessels.

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Source: Produce Plus