CMA CGM and TotalEnergies, a player in maritime transport and logistics, have launched the first bunkering operation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) container ship in Marseille in the port of Marseille Fos, in the south of France, they have announced Friday, January 21.

15,000 TEU LNG-powered container ship CMA CGM Bali is deployed on the MEX 1 service, linking Asia and Southern Europe.

The vessel was refueled by TotalEnergies Vitality Gas, the first LNG bunker vessel based in France, with approximately 6,000 m³ of LNG, by means of a ship-to-ship transfer alongside the Eurofos container terminal, while the container ship was simultaneously carrying out cargo operations.

the Vitality Gas is the second LNG bunker vessel chartered by TotalEnergies and is owned by Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd (MOL).

Prior to this major bunkering operation, the Vitality Gas was loaded with LNG at the Elengy LNG terminal in Fos Cavaou on December 28, 2021, which also marks the first loading of a small LNG carrier at the terminal.

The whole operation underlines strong collaborative teamwork within the French maritime industry, the excellence of its value chain and the involvement of local port authorities to enable the safe piloting of ships, believe the authorities. actors.

Christine Cabau, Executive Vice-President Operations and Assets of the CMA CGM Group said: “This LNG bunkering operation is an important milestone for our group, in many ways. It places France and the Marseille maritime and port cluster at the forefront for the decarbonization of maritime transport. He values ​​LNG solutions as the first step in a broader industrial strategy that will lead us to alternative fuels such as biomethane and e-methane. It is also further proof of CMA CGM’s commitment to Marseille and its region. We are very proud to act both globally and locally to sustainably develop our business”.

“TotalEnergies is delighted to carry out the first LNG refueling operation in Marseille for a container ship via the Gas Vitality. Its deployment underlines the Company’s commitment to supporting the French port’s ambition to be an LNG bunkering hub for the Mediterranean region,” said Jérôme Leprince-Ringuet, Vice-President Marine Fuels at TotalEnergies.

“This historic operation also demonstrates our continued support for the growing role of LNG in the energy transition of maritime transport. In line with TotalEnergies’ climate ambition, we will continue to work hand-in-hand with our industry partners to develop and scale new low-carbon and ultimately zero-carbon fuel solutions for shipping. .

Hervé Martel, CEO, Port of Marseille Fos, said: “This is a new step for the port of Marseille Fos, which is undeniably an essential LNG hub in the Mediterranean. The energy transition carried out at Marseille Fos involves all the partners. The port is resolutely committed to this path: that of environmental excellence. This operation is proof of effective collaboration and an additional argument of attractiveness for our port.

Cyril Ducau, CEO of Eastern Pacific Shipping “EPS is pleased to be part of this historic operation as it confirms the importance of LNG in the industry’s energy transition. Moreover, the operations in Marseille prove that the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the bunkering of LNG is already in place. By teaming up with environmentally conscious partners such as CMA CGM, TotalEnergies and the Port of Marseille, shipping companies have the opportunity to significantly reduce their emissions today while developing alternative solutions for tomorrow. EPS is proud to have a series of LNG-powered vessels chartered by CMA CGM, and we are delighted that this is the first of many successful LNG operations in France.”

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Photo credit: CMA CGM Group
Posted: January 24, 2022