Damen to modify CMA CGM vessels

The upgrades, which will take place at Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque (DSDu) and Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (DSAm), will result in savings of more than 10%, says Damen.

“We look forward to a long-term partnership between CMA CGM and Damen,” says Freek van den Eijkel, commercial manager at DSAm.

“DSDu already has a relationship with CMA CGM, but together DSAm and DSDu can deliver the services that CMA CGM requires with their excellent facilities and easy access to and from the major shipping routes.”

These efficiencies will be achieved in the main by installing bulbs on the bows of the vessels. This deal marks the first time CMA CGM has used European yards for this type of complex modification.

The first installation will be on board the LNG-fuelled container feeder ship, Polar. The 120-tonne bulb has been fabricated at DSAm and will be fitted there shortly. This will be followed by the same changes to the 170-metre Arctic and the 170-metre Aurora.

In addition to the bulb installations, Damen is offering a propeller upgrade, modifications to the propeller nozzle and silicone paints. These changes will increase the fuel efficiency by around 2 to 5% adding to the bulb retrofits’ savings of between 5 and 10%.

Three of the vessels will also be equipped to access shore power, reducing their emissions when alongside in ports that offer the service.