CMA CGM-owned carrier Containerships has announced the delivery of its first LNG-powered container vessel

CMA CGM-owned carrier Containerships has announced the delivery of its first LNG-powered container vessel M/S Containerships Nord, after it was delivered to the Wenchong Shipyard, China.

According to a statement, Containerships has said the vessel will be the first based on LNG-enabled eco-friendly technology to serve European ports and trade routes.

It will start servicing European routes early in 2019 and will be joined by two more LNG-enabled vessels, scheduled for delivery in the first half of the year.

LNG, which stands for liquefied natural gas, is fast becoming an environmentally friendly alternative to heavy fuel oil (HFO). Speaking about the new vessel and its eco-friendly technology, Kari-Pekka Laaksonen, Containerships’ CEO, said: “By taking this decision, we accepted the challenge of building with a new technology. It has been a rewarding project full of learning opportunities.

“This project has required high levels of expertise and constant development. Success requires excellent co-operation between the involved parties.

“Needless to describe how proud and enthusiastic we are of having received the first vessel.”