CMA CGM takes delivery of methanol dual-fueled container ship from Chinese shipyard

December 22, 2025, by Nadja Skopljak

Classification society Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has classed its first methanol dual-fueled container ship, a newbuild destined for French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM Group.

CMA CGM ANTIGONE. Photo credit: CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard

The 15,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel vessel, named CMA CGM ANTIGONE, was built by China’s CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard for CMA CGM and was officially named on December 11 and delivered a day later.

Ahead of the project launch, BV assembled a dedicated team of gas-carrier and alternative-fuel experts to provide specialized training for BV surveyors and the client’s project team and assessed forthcoming international regulations to facilitate early and future compliance.

In accordance with its Rules for Methanol & Ethanol Fueled Ships, BV said it had provided technical review and risk assessment for key areas, including ship design and fuel system safety. During construction, the surveyors applied refined process control and data-driven monitoring and conducted targeted inspections of fire safety, ventilation, and explosion-proof systems, reinforcing the vessel’s inherent safety.

Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President, Industrials and Commodities at Bureau Veritas, said: “The delivery of CMA CGM ANTIGONE represents a major step forward in the adoption of methanol as an alternative marine fuel for large container vessels. By classing our first methanol-fueled container ship, Bureau Veritas reaffirms its commitment to supporting shipowners and shipbuilders in the safe, reliable, and future-ready deployment of low-carbon solutions across the global fleet.”

CMA CGM ANTIGONE is 366 meters long and is said to be the lead ship of CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard’s independently designed Kun series of 15,000 TEU-class methanol dual-fuel container ships.

Powered by methanol dual-fuel propulsion, the vessel achieves substantial reductions in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and near elimination of sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions, enabling early compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 emissions reduction targets, BV noted.

“This ship is the first methanol dual-fuel container ship received by CMA CGM in China. Its successful construction and delivery are the result of the hard work and close cooperation of all project partners: Jiangnan Shipyard, China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd., CMA CGM Group, Bureau Veritas, and all other relevant parties,” said Xavier Leclercq, Vice President of New Building at CMA Ships.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Jiangnan Shipyard and China State Shipbuilding Corporation for their excellent collaboration and strong support throughout the entire construction process of the ship. We look forward to continuing to work hand in hand for a bright future.”