CMA CGM to Build Fully Electric Containership in Partnership with Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding

French liner operator CMA CGM has recently entered into a contract with inland vessels specialist Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding to construct its first fully electric containership.

The agreement, whose value remains undisclosed, follows a previous letter of intent signed by CMA CGM with the yard in late 2023. The new vessel, measuring 80 meters in length and with a capacity of 182 TEU, is set to revolutionize sustainable shipping practices.

Expected to be operational in Vietnam by 2026, the electric containership will be supported by dedicated charging infrastructure, including a new solar farm at CMA CGM’s Gemalink Terminal in Cai Mep.

On its route between Binh Duong province and the Gemalink terminal, spanning 180 kilometers, the vessel will emit zero greenhouse gases and have the capacity to handle over 50,000 TEU annually.

Notably, sportswear giant Nike has expressed its support for the project and plans to utilize the electric boxship for its shipments along the designated route.