CMA CGM has received its first methanol dual-fuel container vessel, the 15,000 TEU CMA CGM Antigone, built by CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard in China, reports Rotterdam's Offshore Energy.

The ship was officially named on December 11 and delivered the following day. Classification society Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore said it had classed the vessel, its first methanol-fuelled containership, after conducting technical reviews and risk assessments covering design, fuel system safety, fire protection and ventilation.

Bureau Veritas vice president Matthieu de Tugny said the delivery marked a major step in adopting methanol as an alternative marine fuel. He added that classing the vessel reaffirmed the society's commitment to supporting shipowners and builders in deploying low-carbon solutions.

CMA CGM Antigone is 366 metres long and is the lead ship in Jiangnan's Kun series of 15,000-TEU methanol dual-fuel containerships. The propulsion system cuts nitrogen oxide emissions and nearly eliminates sulphur oxides, enabling early compliance with International Maritime Organisation 2030 targets.

Xavier Leclercq, vice president of New Building at CMA Ships, said the delivery reflected close cooperation among Jiangnan Shipyard, China Shipbuilding Trading Co, CMA CGM, Bureau Veritas and other partners. He thanked the shipyard and China State Shipbuilding Corporation for their support and said CMA CGM looked forward to continued collaboration.