The Port of Immingham was proud to welcome the CMA CGM Indianapolis vehicles carrier on its maiden voyage.

The LNG-powered vessel is operated by the CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions. The vessel was built in 2023 and is the first of four car carriers each with a 7,000 vehicle capacity. The vessel was in the east coast port making a vehicle delivery.

Simon Bird, Regional Director for ABP in the Humber said: “We are delighted to welcome Indianapolis to our Port of Immingham on her maiden voyage, demonstrating the Humber’s key role in automotive supply chains. It’s always great to see new vessels visit our ports in the Humber, particularly when they are part of customer’s transition to net zero. That’s something ABP is committed to, getting to net zero ourselves by 2040 at the latest and supporting a range of energy and industrial sectors in their journeys.”

“The Humber is a global gateway, and we look forward to seeing more deep-sea vessels of this kind visit.”

John Blessington, managing director, CMA CGM UK said: “CMA CGM INDIANAPOLIS is the Group’s first LNG-powered car carrier. LNG powered vessels are part of our commitment to tackling climate change and to reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

“We are reducing our carbon footprint in two ways – firstly by modernising our assets and optimising our sea and land operations and infrastructure to increase energy efficiency, and secondly by integrating low-carbon fuels in our energy mix.  CMA CGM is a pioneer in the use of LNG ships and biofuels, reducing our CO₂ emissions by around 1 million tons in 2023.”

The automotive carrier has a capacity for up to 7,000 units and is large at 656 feet (200 metres) in length and operates at a speed of 19 knots.

Associated British Ports (ABP) is the largest port operator in the UK with 1.7 million cars a year passing through our ports in the Humber and Southampton. The combination of both port hubs provides a true north-south single provider solution, underpinned by over £100 million of investment in vehicle handling facilities and backed by well-equipped, highly experienced stevedoring operations and services.

Our ports are close to major road connections reducing transport time to the Midlands and the North from the Humber. Close to major short sea routes in the Humber and deep-sea connectivity at Immingham linking the Far East and Americas.