SUSTAINABILITY Shipping line’s bid to protect the planet Head of the French shipping giant CMA CGM, Rodolphe Saadé, recently announced a number of major environmental commitments, writes Paula Wallace “FORWARD LOOKING” AND Rich in its unique and largely unexplored CMA CGM believes that LNG offers “socially responsible” are phrases used to biodiversity, the Arctic plays an essential the “best proven solution available” to describe the position being taken by global role in regulating ocean currents and global significantly reduce the environmental shipping line CMA CGM in several recent climate patterns. The use of the Northern footprint of maritime transport. decisions. Namely, the choice to avoid the Sea Route will represent a significant Last month, the company announced Northern Sea Route and the use of liquefied danger to the unique natural ecosystems the launch of the first 23,000-TEU, LNG- natural gas to power its ships. of this part of the world, mainly due to the powered containership, the Jacques Saadé. In 2018, CMA CGM transported nearly numerous threats posed by accidents, oil This major milestone in the construction of 21 million TEU, including a reefer fleet of pollution or collisions with marine wildlife. the world’s first LNG-powered ultra-large 385,000 TEU. To avoid posing a greater threat to this containership was reached at the Shanghai The company was recently invited by fragile environment, Rodolphe Saadé has Jiangnan-Changxing Shipyard. the French President Emmanuel Macron to decided that none of the CMA CGM Group’s The new vessel will join the group’s fleet attend a meeting ahead of the G7 meeting 500 vessels will use the Northern Sea Route in 2020 on the French Asia Line (Asia- in Biarritz from August 24-26, where Mr along Siberia. With this decision, CMA CGM Northern Europe) and will be registered in Saadé made the announcements. makes the “resolute choice to protect the the French International Register. During the meeting, Mr Saadé delivered environment and the planet’s biodiversity The vessel features a state-of-the-art to the President, on behalf of the maritime despite the major competitive advantage this bridge design, offering a tactical display industry, the SAILS (Sustainable Actions route represents for shipping companies”. with enhanced map views for more dynamic for Innovative and Low-impact Shipping) Mr Saadé says, “We make these choices navigation briefings. It also has a path Charter. Through this charter, the 10 French to meet the needs of our employees and our prediction system optimised to display the signatory shipping companies commit to customers, who are increasingly concerned ship’s predicted position in the next three implementing specific actions to reduce about the environment. But above all, we minutes; a smart eye system projecting a emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse make these decisions for the future, to bird’s-eye view of the ship’s surrounding gases, protect whales, optimise vessel energy leave our children a cleaner planet”. area; and augmented reality screens. and performance, and strengthen relations To further improve the environmental with the scientific community. POWERING AHEAD performance of the Jacques Saadé and her “These are brave, bold choices, which CMA CGM sees itself as a pioneer in its sisterships, their hull forms have been go far beyond purely business decisions,” adoption of LNG as an alternate marine hydrodynamically optimised. The bulb has Mr Saadé says. “This is a firm belief for fuel for ultra-large vessels that carry been seamlessly integrated into the hull us, born out of our family ethos and our up to 23,000 containers. The group has profile and the bow is straight. strong human values, to make responsible, decided to invest significantly to go beyond These exceptionally large vessels (400 forward-looking choices. That is how we the upcoming IMO 2020 low sulphur metres long and 61 metres wide) will plan to build fairer, more environmentally- regulation by using LNG. Some 20 LNG- be distinguished from the rest of the friendly trade, and I invite the entire powered vessels are thus set to enter the fleet by a special livery displaying an industry – competitors, partners and group’s fleet by 2022. “LNG POWERED” logo, attesting to the customers – to join us.” “LNG is a real technological innovation that LNG propulsion represents breakthrough which yields significant on ships of this size. RESERVOIR OF BIODIVERSITY benefits compared to heavy fuel oil: up to Notably, between 2005 and 2015, Today, the Northern Sea Route, which runs the length of the Siberian Coast, connects Asia to Europe. It has been made navigable due to the effects of global warming. 25% less CO 2 , 99% less sulphur emissions, 99% less fine particles and 85% less nitrogen oxide emissions,” Xavier Eiglier, CEO ANL, tells Daily Cargo News. CMA CGM reduced its CO 2 emissions per container transported by 50% and has a target to reduce these emissions by a further 30% by 2025. Chase Dekker 60 <strong>October</strong> <strong>2019</strong> thedcn.com.au
THE 24TH ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN Shipping & Maritime INDUSTRY AWARDS Join us in the heart of Melbourne for the 24th annual awards and be among the who’s who of the industry for a night of excellent entertainment and networking. Have your say, nominate for an award now. SAVE THE DAT E ! Thursday 14 November <strong>2019</strong> Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne Contact Lloyd O’Harte, on 0414 272 574 or email lloyd.oharte@thedcn.com.au dcnawards.com.au MAJOR HOST SPONSOR SPONSORS The Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund Ltd ( MNWMF ) www.mnwmf.com