The CMA CGM took delivery of the 'CMA CGM Christophe Colomb' on November 10 in South Korea.
The new 13,300TEU is one of the world's largest containerships with a length of 365 metres, a beam of 51.2 metres and a draught of 15.5 metres.
Operated on the Asia/Europe trade, the vessel will be deployed on a line operated in partnership with Maersk.
In compliance with CMA CGM's environmental policy, the 'CMA CGM Christophe Colomb' is the group's first vessel to be equipped with a Pre-Swirl Stator. This new device, together with a twisted rudder, maximises propulsion efficiency and optimises the vessel's hydrodynamics to cut fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by two to four percent.
Energy is also conserved by an electronically controlled engine which reduces oil and fuel consumption by respectively 25 and three percent. Thanks to this new engine, the vessel can – if necessary – be operated at super eco-speed of 14 to 15 knots.
In addition, the 'CMA CGM Christophe Colomb' is equipped with a fast oil recovery system which enables bunkers to be rapidly recovered at any time, hence significantly limiting the environmental consequences should there be an incident at sea.
Technically, the vessel distinguishes itself by the position of its superstructure, located in the front, which maximises space utilisation, guarantees a better visibility from the bridge and reinforces the vessel's hull.
Moreover, the vessel's tanks are located underneath the superstructure and are protected by the double hull of the vessel, in compliance with the MARPOL 12A regulation which will come into effect in August 2010.
The vessel will start its rotation in Shanghai, China, on November 11, calling at Ningbo – Xiamen – Hong Kong – Yantian – Algeciras – Rotterdam – Bremerhaven.