CMA CGM signs for electric boxship

French liner operator CMA CGM has contracted inland vessels specialist Shandong Xinneng Shipbuilding to build its fully electric containership.

The deal with an undisclosed value follows a letter of intent CMA CGM signed with the yard late last year for the construction of an 80 m long, 182 teu newbuild.

The newbuild is expected to be deployed in Vietnam from 2026, alongside dedicated charging infrastructure supported by a new solar farm at CMA CGM’s partially owned Gemalink Terminal in Cai Mep.

CMA CGM said at the time that the vessel would operate on a 180 km return route between Binh Duong province and the deepsea Gemalink terminal, emitting zero greenhouse gases and handling over 50,000 teu per year.

Nike is backing the project and will use the electric boxship for its shipments on the route.