European ship powered by natural gas is received by Wilson Sons at Rio Grande Container Terminal

The month of February represented an important milestone for Brazilian shipping. Wilson Sons, a leader in port and maritime logistics in Brazil, received, at Rio Grande Container Terminal (RS), the first LNG-powered ship owned by CMA CGM to operate in the country. After stopping in Rio Grande, it continued on to Singapore.

The vessel, named CMA CGM BAHIA, was built in 2023 and has an operational capacity of 13,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). The 336-metres long 51-metres wide chose Rio Grande Container Terminal as a stopover in its maritime line. CMA CGM's announced goal is to become Net Zero Carbon by the year 2050. By 2028, its plan is to operate 120 low-carbon ships for lower emissions in its operations. Substituting fuel oil with natural gas results in lower emissions of greenhouse gases, sulphur, particulate matter and other pollutants. It is an alternative to enable the energy transition to a low-carbon economy.

Sustainability and reduction of environmental impacts is one of Wilson Sons' strategic pillars, and allows the Company to align with its clients' strategies. A case in point is Rio Grande Container Terminal’s use of energy 100% derived from renewable sources to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The renewable energy purchased is assured through IRECs (International Renewable Energy Certificates), allowing the terminal's scope 2 emissions to be zeroed.

“We must always be capable of serving clients from all over the world”, says Paulo Bertinetti, CEO of Rio Grande Container Terminal. “Our terminal is highly capable of receiving vessels of all types, including those powered by LNG. This is an increasing trend and, in this case, it combines our purpose with that of CMA CGM of ensuring the smallest possible impacts on nature, which makes us very proud”, he adds.

Neusa Marcelino, General Manager of CMA CGM Brazil, says that the arrival of CMA CGM BAHIA marks the beginning of a new era in the Brazilian shipping industry. “This is a transformative milestone that demonstrates our Group’s unwavering commitment to advancing the country’s sustainable economic goals and exceeding expectations. By deploying these state-of-the-art ships designed specifically for Latin American waters, we are also actively supporting our clients’ sustainable businesses and initiatives”, she argues. “Through these modern vessels, we will be able to handle additional volumes, while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of shipments. This does not only align with our clients’ sustainability goals, but also plays a vital role in promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future for everyone”, Neusa concludes.

Rio Grande Container Terminal stands out as one of the four ports on the east coast of South America with sufficient draft to attend New Panamax ships. It has ample capacity and connectivity, with a total area of 735,000 m². With a current capacity of 1.4 million TEUs/year, Rio Grande Container Terminal is the main access route from Rio Grande do Sul to Brazil and the world, and is key to the economic development of the state. It currently serves over 3,000 importers and exporters, and receives the main shipping lines calling in Latin America, offering weekly services to all trades from all shipping lines.