CMA CGM MARCO POLO is currently engaged in her maiden voyage from China to Europe
CMA CGM MARCO POLO, a 16,000 TEU vessel owned by CMA CGM, sails under the UK flag. Built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering in South Korea, the vessel is 396m long and 54m wide, and has a draft of 16m. The ship is the first of a series of three 16,000 TEU vessels, all being named after famous explorers. The delivery of the two next vessels is expected in 2013.
Operated on CMA CGM’s French Asia Line (FAL 1), the CMA CGM MARCO POLO, as of now the containership with the highest nominal TEU intake worldwide, is calling Ningbo, Shanghai, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Chiwan, Yantian, Port Kelang, Tanger, Southampton, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Havre, Malta Khorfakkan and Jebel Ali before sailing back to Ningbo, where she is expected on 23 January.
Nicolas Sartini, CMA CGM Group Senior Vice President Asia-Europe Lines, declares: “It is with great pride that the CMA CGM Group launches this new vessel, which is the largest in the world. It shows the expertise of the Group’s teams, who are able to handle not only the very technical piloting of the ship but also its commercial operations.”
CMA CGM MARCO POLO is equipped with all the latest environmental technologies. An electronically controlled engine allows a significantly reduced consumption of fuel (-3% on average) and of lub oil (-25%). A twisted leading edge rudder improves the hydrodynamics of the vessel (optimisation of the water flow), and significantly reduces energy expenditures as well as CO2 emissions.
A Pre-Swirl Stator allows the straightening up of the water flow upstream from the propeller in order to improve its productivity. Combined with the twisted leading edge rudder, this innovation is claimed to optimise the hydrodynamics of the vessel and makes it possible to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions. by 2-4%, while an “Exhaust Gas Bypass” system reduces fuel consumption by 1.5% at low speeds. Other key features include an optimised hull design and a ballast water treatment system.
