THE FIRST LNG-powered container ship to visit Australia has arrived in Fremantle.
The CMA CGM Baalbeck arrived in Fremantle on April 6 from Adelaide before heading to Port Klang.
The vessel is dual-fuel capable, operating on LNG and ready for low-carbon energies like biomethane and e-methane.
It made its debut at Patrick Terminals in Melbourne on 18 March and has been continuing its rotation to other Australian ports, including Fremantle.
The 8000 TEU vessel is part of the ANL, CMA CGM Group’s plan to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050.
French-based CMA CGM, which in March announced a major investment in the US with a US$20 billion expansion of shipbuilding capabilities, expansion of port infrastructure, growth of logistics networks and development of air cargo services plans to have 30 US registered flag vessels and is adding 12 new dual-fuel vessels to its international fleet in the next year.
The US investment has been criticised by French president Emmanuel Macron who called for European businesses to suspend investments with the US until the situation with tariffs was clarified.
France 24 reported a meeting with French industry. “What would be the message if big European actors invest billions of euros in the US economy at the very moment they are hitting us?” Mr Macron reportedly asked.
A media release announcing the first LNG sailing to Australia said the ship was a step towards shipping’s decarbonation. LNG offers a significant improvement in air quality and is immediately biomethane and e-methane ready.
“LNG is an industrial-scale solution readily available today, offering a significant improvement in air quality. Compared to standard bunker fuel, it reduces sulfur dioxide emissions by 99%, fine particulate matter by 91%, and nitrogen dioxide emissions by 92%, surpassing both international and local regulatory standards,” the release said.
Leave a Reply