CMA CGM and TotalEnergies Launch Ship-to-Ship LNG Bunkering in Marseille

France-based CMA CGM and TotalEnergies have launched the first ship-to-containership bunkering service in France’s Port of Marseille.

The new service conducted its inaugural bunkering operation on board the LNG-powered containership CMA CGM Bali, a 15,000 TEU capacity containership, while berthed at the Eurofos container terminal for cargo operations.

TotalEnergies LNG bunkering vessel Gas Vitality, the first of its kind in France, supplied the ship with around 6,000 cubic meters of LNG fuel via a ship-to-ship transfer.

Gas Vitality is TotalEnergies’ second chartered LNG bunker vessel and owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL).

“This LNG bunkering operation is an important milestone for our group, in many ways,” said Christine Cabau, Executive Vice President Operations and Assets of the CMA CGM Group. “It sets France and Marseille maritime and port cluster on the frontline for the decarbonization of shipping. It enhances LNG solutions as the first step of a broader industrial strategy that will take us to alternative fuels such as biomethane and e-methane. It is also another proof of the commitment of CMA CGM toward Marseilles and its region. We are very proud to act both globally and locally to develop sustainably our business”.

By the end of 2024, CMA CGM will have a fleet of 44 LNG-powered vessels, 24 of which are already in service.

Prior to the bunkering operation, the Gas Vitality was loaded with LNG at Elengy’s Fos Cavaou LNG terminal in late December.

“TotalEnergies is delighted to successfully complete Marseille’s first LNG bunkering operation of a containership via the Gas Vitality,” said Jérôme Leprince-Ringuet, Vice-President Marine Fuels at TotalEnergies. “Her deployment underscores the Company’s commitment to support the French port’s ambition to be an LNG bunkering hub for the Mediterranean region. This landmark operation also demonstrates our continued support to the growing role of LNG in shipping’s energy transition. In line with TotalEnergies’ climate ambition, we will continue to work hand-in-hand with our industry partners to develop and scale up new, lower-carbon and ultimately, zero-carbon fuel solutions for shipping.”