CMA CGM highlights emissions progress

The company said that it has reduced CO2 emissions to approximately 60g per teu-kilometre, compared with around 120g in 2005. For its best-performing ships, including the new 18,000 teu Bougainville, emissions are around 37g.

CMA CGM noted its efforts to improve hydrodynamics, including bulbous bows optimised for slow steaming, optimised propellers – with increased diameter and fewer blades – to harness reduced engine power and twisted leading-edge rudders to improve water flow.

Amongst other technical solutions, the company has developed a fast oil recovery system which, in case of an accident, significantly reduces the response time to empty tanks and avoid pollution. CMA CGM’s fleet navigation and support centre also helps to optimise routes, speeds and fuel consumption while enhancing safety.

New environmentally friendly containers can save up to two tonnes of fuel a day on a containership, the company noted, while 30,000 reefers with low-consumption engines can reduce electrical and fuel use by three times. In 2005, CMA CGM was the first maritime group to invest in containers with bamboo floors, limiting the use of wood from valuable tropical species while improving containers’ technical qualities.

The statement was released ahead of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change, which takes place in Paris on 30 November-11 December in Paris.

There the draft text of a new multinational climate agreement will be discussed, including the provision that parties “pursue the limitation or reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from… marine fuels; working through… the International Maritime Organization… with a view to agreeing concrete measures addressing these emissions, including developing procedures for incorporating emissions from… marine bunker fuels into low-emission development strategies”.