SIMIC

The first of nine 23,000 TEU LNG-powered newbuildings and named after the late Jacques Saade, founder of the CMA CGM Group, the vessel called at the CMA CGM-PSA Lion Terminal after sailing in from China where the ultra-large containership started her maiden voyage on the carrier's French Asia Line 1 service between Asia and Europe.

Following her port stop in Singapore, the CMA CGM Jacques Saade will depart for North Europe, and Mediterranean with more than 21,000 TEU comprising household goods, electronics, machinery and personal protective equipment, a record-breaking voyage in a single journey between Singapore and Europe.

Receiving the vessel call at the Port of Singapore were Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Foreign Affairs of Singapore; Stephane Courquin, CEO of CMA CGM Asia Pacific Limited; Quah Ley Hoon, chief executive of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore; and Tan Chong Meng, group CEO of PSA International.

"I welcome the CMA CGM Jacques on her maiden call at Singapore today and CMA CGM's commitment to reduce emissions. As part of our sustainability efforts, Singapore is similarly committed to play our part in supporting the shipping industry's move to low-to-zero carbon fuels and the use of LNG in the transition," said Minister Chee.

Singapore recently named its first LNG bunker tanker and aims to have around 1 million tonnes of LNG refuelling capacity for ships in 2021, reports Colchester's Seatrade Maritime News.

"As the shipping industry moves in a greener direction, PSA remains committed to harmonising our port activities with environmental considerations in mind, delivering eco-efficiency alongside operational and service excellence. This is an exciting step in our evolution for a sustainable future," said Ong Kim Pong, regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International.

"Initiated by Rodolphe Saade, chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, this newly commissioned mega vessel is the first of our nine 23,000-TEU LNG-powered vessels to enter commercial operations. She marks a new era of sustainable giant ships to join our fleet, propelling the Group's energy transition towards a net-zero emissions shipping industry," said Mr Courquin of CMA CGM Asia Pacific Limited.