Today, Singapore welcomed the maiden arrival of the CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE, the world’s largest containership to be fully-powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at the CMA CGM-PSA Lion Terminal.

A first journey on the largest sea route in the world at the heart of exchanges between Asia and Europe

The CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics, had just received the 23,000-TEU newbuild in China where the ultra-large containership started her maiden voyage on CMA CGM’s French Asia Line 1 service that plies Asia-Europe. This line provides a weekly service comprising 13 calls over the course of 84 days. Following her port stop in Singapore, the CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE will depart for North Europe, and Mediterranean with more than 21,000 TEUs comprising household goods, electronics, machinery and personal protective equipment, a record-breaking voyage in a single journey between Singapore and Europe.

LNG, a pioneering choice aimed at preserving air quality and driving the energy transition

Named after the late Jacques Saadé, founder of the CMA CGM Group, the CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE and her sisterships are a first in the history of shipping for Ultra Large Container Vessels and are proof of the CMA CGM’s commitment towards driving forward maritime transport’s energy transition.

Today, LNG is the most advanced solution when it comes to preserving air quality. It enables a 99% reduction in sulfur dioxide and fine particle emissions, and an 85% reduction in nitrogen dioxide emissions, going well above and beyond existing regulation. LNG emits up to 20% less CO2 compared to fuel motorization. This technology is one of the first step towards achieving CMA CGM Group’s ambitious 2050 objective of carbon neutrality.

Innovation-packed vessels, the result of 7 years of research and development from CMA CGM experts

Measuring 400-metre long by 61-metre wide by 78-metre high, these innovation-packed vessels are the result of 7 years of research and development from CMA CGM Experts. They offer advanced technologies such as path prediction and smart projection technologies, as well as augmented reality screens for enhanced situational awareness. Built for performance, they come with hydrodynamically-optimised hull forms; and improved propellers and rudder blades, along with the Becker Twisted Fin® thereby improving performance by optimizing water flow and significantly reducing energy consumption. Thanks to this new system, CMA CGM’s new vessels boast a 4% reduction in CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, the vessels will use a smart system to manage ventilation for the reefer containers carried in the cargo holds.

A unique ceremony in Singapore for a unique ship

Receiving the landmark vessel call upon the Port of Singapore this morning were Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Foreign Affairs of Singapore; Mr Stephane Courquin, Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Asia Pacific Limited; Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore; and Mr Tan Chong Meng, Group Chief Executive Officer of PSA International.

“Initiated by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, this newly commissioned mega vessel is the first of our nine 23,000-TEU LNG-powered vessels to enter commercial operations. She marks a new era of sustainable giant ships to join our fleet, propelling the Group’s energy transition towards a neutral carbon shipping industry,” said Stephane Courquin, Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Asia Pacific Limited.

“I welcome the CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE on her maiden call at Singapore today and CMA CGM’s commitment to reduce emissions. As part of our sustainability efforts, Singapore is similarly committed to play our part in supporting the shipping industry’s move to low to zero carbon fuels and the use of LNG in the transition,” said Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Foreign Affairs of Singapore.

“It is a great pleasure to welcome the CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE, the world’s largest LNG-powered container ship, on its maiden call at PSA Singapore, highlighting our strong and steadfast partnership with CMA CGM. As the shipping industry moves in a greener direction, PSA remains committed to harmonizing our port activities with environmental considerations in mind, delivering eco-efficiency alongside operational and service excellence. This is an exciting step in our evolution for a sustainable future,” said Mr Ong Kim Pong, Regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International.