SIMIC

THE world's first ammonia-ready containership CMA CGM Masai Mara has been christened at China's Qingdao Shipyard, before being delivered on May 23.

The 5,900-TEU vessel was built for Belgian shipowner CMB and the boxship will be operated by French liner major CMA CGM.



The CMA CGM Masai Mara is 240 metres long, 42.8 metres wide, and has a maximum packing capacity that includes 1,150 refrigerated containers.



Its advanced features include a high level of automation and an innovative ammonia/diesel dual-fuel propulsion system, reports Rotterdam's Offshore Energy.



The shipbuilder said that the vessel has low energy consumption and that its design features allow for compliance with all the latest standard of the UN's International Maritime Organisation.



The vessel belongs to a new generation of medium-sized containerships optimised for regional container transportation and can be deployed on various non-polar global routes, offering flexibility in their utilisation.



The naming ceremony also served as an occasion for the launching of Masai Mara's sister ship, CV5900-02 to be named CMA CGM Khao Sok. The two vessels form part of a deal for a total of six vessels.



These particular vessels represent the largest containerships under construction in Shandong Province. The deal between CMB and Qingdao builds on the close relationship between the duo forged on the construction of a 206.000-dwt bulk carrier.



Qingdao Shipyard recently inked a significant contract with the renowned shipowner Norwegian Seatankers Group for the construction of 4+4 82,000-dwt bulk carriers.



CMB has been a staunch supporter of alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia. The company's subsidiary Bocimar is building up to nine ammonia-powered Newcastlemaxes in China in cooperation with WinGD.