CMA CGM Has Cut CO2 Emissions by Fifty Percent
Container shipping company CMA CGM has improved the CO2 performance of its owned fleet by 50 percent over the last 10 years.
Today, a container emits approximately 60 grams of CO2 per kilometer, compared to 120 grams in 2005. The group’s best-performing ships emit 37 grams of CO2 per container transported, such as the CMA CGM Bougainville which can carry up to 200,000 tons of goods in 18,000 containers.
Innovation is a major driver in reducing the group’s environmental performance. CMA CGM has improved its vessels hydrodynamics to reduce their emissions. By redesigning its vessels structure, CMA CGM improves their hydrodynamics, thus reducing their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Other technical innovations include new bulbous bows that have been installed in order to adapt the hydrodynamics of the ships to the new reduced sailing speed. Propellers have been optimized to gain efficiency following the decrease in engines' power: their diameter has been increased and a blade removed. A new twisted leading edge rudder improves water flow and thus the hydrodynamic performance of the vessel.
CMA CGM equips new vessels with additional innovations to preserve the oceans. The company has developed the Fast Oil Recovery System, a reliable and safe system, which, in case of an accident, significantly reduces the response time to empty the tanks and avoid pollution.
All new generation group ships are also equipped with a ballast water treatment system.
The company’s fleet navigation and support center optimizes routes, speeds and fuel consumption, while ensuring ships and crews safety. Operating 24/7, this navigation assistance and support center brings to seafarers navigation information for greener routes.
CMA CGM develops and uses new environmentally friendly containers, which save one to two tons of fuel per day, and thereby prevent emissions of three to six tons of CO2.
CMA CGM has invested in 30,000 Reefers (refrigerated containers) with low consumption engines reducing electrical costs and fuel consumption by up to three times.
In 2005, CMA CGM was the first maritime group to invest in containers with bamboo floors, thus limiting the use of wood from valuable tropical species while improving the containers' technical qualities.
