CMA CGM leads methanol race after billion orders

French CMA CGM has a billion-dollar order at two Chinese yards for 12 methanol-powered container ships of 15,000 teu each, overtaking Maersk with the most orders for the more climate-friendly ships.

The total order also includes four LNG-powered giants of 23,000 teu each and amounts to a total of DKK 3 billion. dollar and is thus the largest order that has been placed with Chinese shipyards, several media write.

The agreement with the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) was signed by CEO Rodolphe Saadé during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to China last week.

In June last year, the French container shipping company ordered six methanol-powered container ships with a capacity of 15,000 teu and later another 12, according to TradeWinds

Maersk, which was the first shipping company to order methanol-powered container ships, has a total of 19 type ii on order. The first - a feeder ship - will already be delivered this autumn.

However, the Danish company still has the most ambitious plan for a green transition with a goal of becoming net-zero emissions as early as 2040, while CMA CGM is giving itself ten more years to reach that goal.