In a move towards bolstering container ship efficiency, Damen Shipyards Group and leading shipping conglomerate CMA CGM have initiated a collaboration set to revolutionize around 100 vessels within the latter’s fleet. These significant modifications aim to achieve fuel efficiencies exceeding 10 percent, heralding a pivotal milestone in maritime sustainability.
The cooperation will unfold primarily at Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque (DSDu) and Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (DSAm), renowned for their expansive dry docks and extensive expertise in intricate refits and retrofits.
The centerpiece of this collaboration entails the installation of bulbs on the bows of the vessels, a pioneering endeavor marking CMA CGM’s shift towards European shipyards for such complex modifications. Previously, the company primarily utilized shipyards in China and sporadically in the Middle East for similar undertakings.
Scheduled for this year are nine stopovers by CMA CGM vessels, with DSDu hosting five and DSAm accommodating four. Among these, three stops are earmarked for the installation of bow bulbs, with the avant-garde, LNG-fueled container feeder ship Polar slated as the first recipient. The fabrication of a 120-tonne bulb at DSAm underscores the magnitude of this endeavor, heralding an era of enhanced efficiency. The remaining two vessels to undergo modifications are the 366-meter Arctic and the 170-meter Aurora.
While the bulb retrofits promise fuel consumption savings ranging from 5 to 10 percent, CMA CGM is exploring additional upgrades to further augment vessel efficiency. Damen’s comprehensive packages encompass not only bow bulbs but also propeller upgrades, modifications to the propeller nozzle, and silicone paint applications. These supplementary enhancements are projected to yield additional fuel economies of 2 to 5 percent, ensuring a swift return on investment within three years while substantially curbing carbon emissions and pollutants.
Moreover, three vessels will be outfitted to access shore power, aligning with CMA CGM’s commitment to eco-friendly operations by minimizing emissions during port berthing.
Freek van den Eijkel, Commercial Manager at DSAm, expressed anticipation for a lasting partnership between CMA CGM and Damen, highlighting the unparalleled facilities and seamless access to major shipping routes offered by DSAm and DSDu.
This collaboration not only underscores a collective commitment to environmental stewardship but also signifies a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices within the maritime industry.
