France-based classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) has been awarded the responsibility for classification of CMA CGM’s new 22,000 TEU containerships.
The classification society informed that the decision for the nine ships to be fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been carefully considered and Bureau Veritas has been closely involved in feasibility studies, working with the owner, builders and technology providers.
“This is a breakthrough order for gas fuelled shipping – both in scale and in the use of a membrane containment system. Bureau Veritas has been supporting the project throughout, providing assistance to ensure the requirements for the safe use of LNG are addressed,” Philippe Donche-Gay, President, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said.
The new ships will have a bunker capacity close to 18,000 cubic metres (cbm) and this represents a significantly higher volume than has been required in the LNG fuelled ship market. Bureau Veritas has investigated the feasibility of the design together with shipbuilding group China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and French marine engineering company Gaztransport et Technigaz SA (GTT).
GTT has been chosen for the design of cryogenic tanks for the nine containerships.
“As CMA CGM have said, they will be the first shipping company in the world to equip giant containerships with LNG propulsion, pursuing a strong commitment to the protection of the environment and to ocean conservation. For us this is an exciting project to be involved in and our teams in China, supported by expertise in Paris, are looking forward to working on these innovative new ships,” Jean-François Segretain, Bureau Veritas Marine Technical Director, said.
The deliveries of the nine vessels will take place between the end of 2019 and the end of 2020.