CMA CGM BAHIA arrives at Rio Brasil Terminal as the first LNG-powered containership to call a Port on South-America’s East Coast
• First of a new generation of six “biomethane and e-methane ready” vessels with enhanced aerodynamics to serve Brazil.
• Another testimony of the CMA CGM Group’s pioneer role in Shipping and Logistics’ decarbonization.
• Supporting Brazil’s supply chains, on CMA CGM’s SEAS service, connecting the Latin America’s East Coast to Asia.
The CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, announced the arrival of the CMA CGM BAHIA as the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered containership to call a port in Brazil and on South-America’s East Coast at the Rio Brasil Terminal in Rio de Janeiro on 18 January 2024. At 13,000-TEU, the containership also ranks amongst the largest vessels to be calling in the whole region. After calling the Rio Brasil Terminal in Rio de Janeiro, CMA CGM BAHIA will call the Brazilian ports of Santos, Navegantes, Rio Grande and Paranagua.
A new generation of six vessels featuring “biomethane and e-methane ready” engines and an innovative aerodynamic design deployed to serve Brazil.
Deployed on CMA CGM’s Asia South America East Coast 1 (SEAS) service connecting Brazil and South America’s East Coast to Asia, these six new LATAMAX vessels are named after iconic cities and states in the country. Following CMA CGM BAHIA, BUZIOS, PARATY, SAO PAULO, BELEM and AMAZONIA containerships will progressively be deployed in 2024.
These dual-fuel gas powered vessels run on LNG, improving air quality by avoiding up to 99% of sulphur emission, 92% of nitrogen oxide emission and 91% of particulate matter. Thus, once supply is available, these ships will be capable of using BioLNG (liquefied biomethane produced from biowaste), and e-methane (synthetic-methane produced from decarbonized hydrogen), a source of carbon-neutral fuel. These vessels’ unique design featuring a windshield for enhanced aerodynamics can further reduce CO2 emissions by 2% and is the result of a close cooperation between CMA CGM’s research and development experts and industrial partners.
This approach symbolizes the CMA CGM Group’s decarbonation strategy focusing on three levers: diversifying the energy mix with a range of low- and zero-carbon solutions, optimizing operations to reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions, and modernizing industrial assets to improve their energy efficiency. By deploying this new generation of state of the art “biomethane and e-methane ready” containerships, the CMA CGM Group demonstrates once again its commitment to Brazil and the Group’s role as a pioneer to decarbonize Shipping and Logistics’ in the country and worldwide.
CMA CGM Group, a pioneer in Shipping and Logistics’ decarbonization committed to reach Net Zero-Carbon by 2050
The CMA CGM Group is accelerating and investing in energy transition to be a Net Zero-Carbon company by 2050. The Group invested close to USD 15 billion in decarbonizing its fleet. CMA CGM is currently operating 35 dual-fuel LNG-powered containerships, will have almost 120 vessels capable of being powered by decarbonized fuels by 2028.
A pioneer in the use of LNG as a transition energy, the CMA CGM Group has also launched several large industrial partnerships to diversify its sourcing with even more decarbonized fuels. In September 2022, Rodolphe Saadé announced the creation of PULSE, CMA CGM Energy Fund, with a USD 1.5 billion budget over 5 years to accelerate the decarbonization of all the sea, land, air transportation and logistics activities worldwide. In 2023, the CMA CGM Group reduced its CO2 emissions by around -1 million tons.
Supporting Brazil’s supply chains in Better Ways
CMA CGM' SEAS service calls at the Brazilian Ports of Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Paranagua, Navegantes and Rio Grande. This connection supports the country's supply chain and economy by importing parts and products used by Agriculture and the Industrial sector as well as consumer goods. On the other hand, SEAS also contributes to Brazil's exports of products and goods from the Agricultural and Industrial sectors. Furthermore, CMA CGM’s “biomethane and e-methane ready” vessels now calling ports in Brazil highlight the Group’s CLEANER ENERGY LNG solution, allowing Brazilian shippers to reduce the environmental footprint of their shipments.
The CMA CGM Group has been operating in Brazil for over 20 years, with currently 8 offices and over 10 000 staff members. The Group operates 9 weekly mainline services at 14 ports in the country, connecting major global destinations with a state-of-the-art intermodal network through CEVA Logistics and Mercosul Line, the Group’cabotage shipping company and multimodal logistics provider.
Neusa Marcelino, General Manager of CMA CGM Brazil said “The arrival of the CMA CGM BAHIA marks the start of a new era in the Brazilian shipping industry, a transformative milestone which demonstrates our Group's commitment to advancing the nation's sustainable economic goals. This investment not only shows our unwavering commitment to exceed expectations but by deploying these state-of-the-art ships specifically designed for the Latam waters, we actively support our customers' business and sustainable initiatives. With them, we will be able to cater for added volumes while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of our customer's shipments. This not only aligns with their sustainability objectives but also plays a vital role in fostering a cleaner and more sustainable future for all".
