French shipping major CMA CGM has taken delivery of CMA CGM Kimberley, the second in the series of five 15,000 TEU LNG-powered ships built at the Chinese Jiangnan Shipyard.
The naming and delivery ceremony took place at China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) Shipyard.
The French company reported that this new 15,000 TEU e-methane ready vessel is already on its way to the South of France.
Welcome to our CMA CGM KIMBERLEY! This brand-new 15,000 TEU e-methane ready vessel has just been christened and she’s already on her way to the South of France. #BetterWays #EnergyTransition pic.twitter.com/kJdfAstjfE
Moreover, at Marseille Fos Port, CMA CGM Kimberley will be the very first vessel to operate a full LNG bunkering. CMA CGM also said the port will become its primary bunkering hub in the Mediterranean.
Also, the company is this way establishing the country’s first LNG bunkering infrastructure in partnership with TotalEnergies .
Back in 2019, CMA CGM ordered five LNG-powered sister ships from Jiangnan. The first one CMA CGM Patagonia arrived in France in September. The remaining are CMA CGM Kimberley , CMA CGM Everglad e, CMA CGM Galapagos, and CMA CGM Greenland .
These five containerships will sail under the French flag. They will be delivered by 2022 and will help operate the Mediterranean Club Express (MEX) route; the shipping company’s strategic line connecting Asia with the Middle East and southern Europe.
Between now and the end of 2024, the group will have 44 of its vessels powered by LNG.