French shipping company CMA CGM took delivery of its largest and most environmentally friendly container ship from Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2009.
The 11,400TEU 'CMA CGM Andromeda' is the result of a reported eight-year commitment to environmental action by CMA CGM. The vessel has been deployed on the company's French Asia Line linking northern Europe with China and although it is capable of a maximum speed of 24 knots, it slow steams in line with the company's Eco-speed programme. Under the guidance of a fleet navigation centre that tracks it closely, the most fuel-efficient routes are determined based on currents and weather conditions.
Currently, 'Andromeda' sails at speeds of between 19 and 20 knots on the Asia to Europe trade and between 14 and 15 knots from Europe to Asia. This speed reduction allows CMA CGM to operate more vessels on the same trade, a strategy that achieves economies of scale in the current economic climate as well as reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
'Andromeda' is 363 metres long, 45 metres across the beam and has a draught of 15.5 metres. An electronically controlled engine brings a three percent fuel saving and reduces oil consumption by 25 percent. It also allows flexible engine utilisation to support slow steaming.
To cut consumption by a further two to four percent, the vessel has a streamlined hull and twisted leading edge rudder. It also has a low-sulphur fuel system and is pre-fitted with cold ironing capability so that dockside electrical power can be used at berth as it becomes available in the future.
CMA CGM has incorporated safety measures to reduce pollution risks. For example, all bridge equipment is electric to eliminate the risk of hydraulic leaks. The vessel's fuel tanks are protected by a double hull and a fast oil recovery system allows them to be emptied quickly in an emergency. 'Andromeda' also has additional tanks to treat grey and bilge water and a rigorous shipboard waste management programme that includes waste sorting systems and multi-chamber compactors. Incinerators have been eliminated to reduce air emissions.
Another 51 company-owned vessels with similar environmental credentials are scheduled for delivery by 2012.
Wendy Laursen