French shipping giant CMA CGM has confirmed it is testing a new prototype windshield on one of its containerships to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consummption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The confirmation comes after photos of the “windshield” on board the CMA CGM Marco Polo circulated online.
Use of “windshields” was pioneered by Japanese shipping line Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) which installed its first one on board the MOL Marvel in 2015. The company later confirmed a 2% average CO2 emissions reduction at a sailing speed of 17 knots.
Ocean Network Express (ONE), which was formed in 2017 through the integration of the container shipping businesses of Japan’s three biggest carriers NYK Line, “K” Line and MOL, is also testing one of the devices on the 20,000 TEU ONE Trust.
Delivered in 2012, CMA CGM Marco Polo earned the title of world’s largest containership with its carrying capacity of 16,022 TEUs—taking the titled from Maersk’s Emma Maersk and sister vessels in the E-Class, kicking off the “megaship arms race” that continues to this day with the biggest containerships now exceeding 24,000 TEUs.
The windshield is just one example of CMA CGM’s work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its fleet. The company has been investing in LNG-fueled ships since 2017 and it currently has 20 ships capable of running on LNG and biomethane, with engines that are also capable of running on carbon neutral e-methane instead of LNG. By the end of 2024, CMA CGM’s “e-methane ready” fleet is expected to grow to 44 ships.
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