Malta Freeport receiving calls by CMA CGM LNG powered super containerships
Following Last November’s call of the Champs Elysees, the 2nd out of a series of nine 23,000 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) containerships built for CMA CGM, the Malta Freeport is now set to receive weekly calls by CMA CGM’s LNG powered super containerships.
LNG provides an initial response to climate change challenges and is at present, the industry’s best available technology for preserving air quality. In fact, it emits 20 per cent less CO2 when compared with conventional fuel-powered systems. This is a testament to further expansions of the LNG infrastructure in Malta, following a joint venture by MSC and Palumbo who aim to invest in technology allowing servicing and repairs of next generation LNG powered cruise ships.
Super container ships visiting the Malta Freeport will include the world’s 1st built largest LNG powered containership, and CMA CGM’s flagship the ‘Jacque Saade’. This record breaking vessel was carrying a record 20,723 full containers in October 2020, on a trip from Singapore. This stands as a record set by a world leader in shipping and logistics. All of CMA CGM’s 9 LNG powered containerships will be calling at Malta.
Freeport CEO Alex Montebello said: “We are delighted to be among the few ports selected for the prestigious French Asia Line Service connecting Europe to SIA. Malta Freeport is only able to attract business of this nature because of the strategic decision we had taken to invest in six megamax quay cranes, which have the capability to stack rows 11-containers-high onto these huge ships.”
The Freeport invested €20million in these cranes, featuring a reach of 72m and twin-lift spreader capability, being the only equipment able to service modern super container vessels.
CMA CGM is a shareholder in Malta Freeport Terminals and are committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.