French ocean carrier CMA CGM has confirmed the order of seven new container vessels, powered by biogas, aiming to upgrade its services to the French West Indies.
Four of the new boxships will have 7,300 TEU capacity and the other three vessels will have 7,900 TEU capacity, while all the ships will have 1,385 reefer plugs.
The newbuildings will be delivered gradually as of 2024 and are expected to serve Guadeloupe and Martinique, replacing smaller ships dedicated to routes between the French West Indies, France and Europe.
Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and chief executive officer of the CMA CGM Group, made the announcement about the rollout of the seven new container ships during a trip to Martinique and Guadeloupe.
In order to cope with these larger capacity vessels, the CMA CGM Group said it will help to modernise and increase the capacity of the biggest shipping ports in Guadeloupe and Martinique, as well as making wharfs larger.
The Marseille-based box line noted it operates dedicated shipping lines to Guadeloupe and Martinique and is involved in structural actions to help boost the local economy.
