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In a pioneering move towards sustainable shipping, French shipping giant CMA CGM is set to deploy its first LNG-powered containership, the CMA CGM Scandola, in West Africa. This eco-friendly vessel is slated to make a significant impact on the region’s logistics and shipping landscape
Green Voyage to West Africa
On January 23, the CMA CGM Scandola is scheduled to dock at Tema, Ghana, marking its inaugural voyage in West Africa. A few days later, on January 28, it will navigate to the newly constructed Lekki Deep Sea Port in Nigeria. The vessel, boasting a capacity of 15,000 TEU, is part of CMA CGM’s West Africa Express (WAX) service, connecting major destinations such as China, Southeast Asia, and India.
Environmental Commitment Sets Sail
Designed to be “biomethane and e-methane ready,” the CMA CGM Scandola aims to significantly reduce particulate matter, sulfur, and nitrogen oxide emissions, contributing to improved air quality. This green initiative aligns with CMA CGM’s commitment to environmental sustainability, placing the company at the forefront of the decarbonization movement in the maritime industry.
Transformative Impact on West Africa
The deployment of CMA CGM Scandola is poised to enhance the shipping industry in West Africa. The vessel’s high capacity and improved services will positively impact supply chains, connecting key ports such as Tema, Lekki, Abidjan, and Pointe-Noire. This move reflects CMA CGM’s dedication to cutting-edge infrastructure, as the ship is set to dock at the CMA Terminals-managed Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria’s first deep-water port with gantry cranes.
CMA CGM’s Sustainability Odyssey
The CMA CGM Group’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its fleet of dual-fuel gas-powered ships, with the LNG-powered CMA CGM Scandola leading the way. These vessels emit lower levels of sulfur, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter, contributing to the preservation of air quality. Moreover, the company has established strategic industry alliances and the CMA CGM Energy Fund, with a $1.5 billion budget over five years, to diversify fuel sources.
Charting a Greener Course
CMA CGM’s deployment of LNG-powered vessels is not a singular effort. Recent additions to its fleet, including CMA CGM Cedrus, CMA CGM Bahia, and CMA CGM Legacy, all run on LNG. The company’s fleet now boasts 36 LNG-powered vessels, solidifying its commitment to eco-friendly transportation. With ambitious plans, CMA CGM aims to have nearly 120 vessels running on decarbonized fuels by 2028.
The introduction of the CMA CGM Scandola represents more than a shipping milestone. It marks a new era in CMA CGM’s relationship with clients, local governments, and partners in West Africa. As Stéphane Courquin, Head of CMA CGM Africa, notes, this alliance will enhance transportation potential and foster sustainable growth in the region.
Source:Marine insight
