The first vessel in CMA CGM’s groundbreaking series of 12 dual-fuel methanol ships, the CMA CGM IRON, has made its maiden call at the Port of Singapore. These state-of-the-art 13,000 TEU container ships, built by South Korea’s Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, will be delivered in 2025 and 2026. This achievement marks a significant milestone in CMA CGM’s collaboration with major South Korean shipyards and its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The CMA CGM IRON, constructed by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, has a capacity of 13,000 TEUs. Its sister vessels—CMA CGM COBALT, ARGON, PLATINUM, MERCURY, HELIUM, KRYPTON, THORIUM, OSMIUM, SILVER, COPPER, and GOLD—will gradually enter service in 2025 and 2026.

This series of 12 methanol-powered vessels represents a key milestone in CMA CGM’s roadmap toward net-zero emissions by 2050, while also highlighting the strategic and technological cooperation between the group and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in decarbonizing the shipping industry.

As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions, methanol-powered vessels are emerging as a viable alternative. Dual-fuel technology allows these ships to operate on conventional marine fuel while gradually transitioning to green methanol as the supply chain evolves. This flexibility aligns with broader industry efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of global trade.

The CMA CGM IRON will be deployed on the CIMEX1 route, connecting Asia and the Middle East Gulf, emphasizing its role in one of the busiest trade corridors. As a global shipping hub, Singapore is a fitting location for its debut, reflecting the city-state’s commitment to cleaner shipping solutions and its role in fostering the adoption of alternative fuels.

Xavier Leclercq, Vice President of Newbuildings at CMA CGM, stated: “Thanks to our long-standing collaboration with Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, we have successfully tackled the challenges of this new propulsion system. This achievement brings us one step closer to our net-zero target and complements our dual-fuel LNG-powered fleet.”

As the shipping industry grapples with increasingly stringent emissions regulations, investments in alternative fuel technologies, such as methanol, are becoming more crucial. CMA CGM’s initiative aligns with the broader global decarbonization trend, reinforcing its position as a key player in maritime sustainability.

The introduction of this new class of vessels underscores the accelerating transition to green shipping solutions. As more companies explore dual-fuel and alternative propulsion technologies, the industry is steadily moving toward a low-carbon future.