The CMA CGM Group announced the inaugural call on August 27 in Savannah of the CMA CGM Figaro, 8,500-TEU, the largest containership ever to call the harbour.
The CMA CGM Figaro is equipped with the latest environmental technologies such as:
• the 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;
• an electronically controlled engine, reducing oil and fuel consumption by respectively 25% and 3%. Thanks to this new engine, the vessel can – if necessary – be operated at super eco-speed (14 to 15 knots);
• pre-equipment to connect to a port’s electricity supply during operations.
The vessel is operated on the Columbus loop, a pendulum service linking Japan, China and South East Asia to the United States East Coast via the Suez Canal, and South East Asia, China and Korea to Pacific North West and Canada (Vancouver).
“The inaugural call of CMA CGM Figaro in Savannah confirms the Group’s commitment to investment and growth in the United States and more especially in the South Atlantic region which is of strategic importance to the US commerce and our clients,” said Frank J Baragona, President CMA CGM (America) LLC. “Moreover, it is interesting to note that this size of ships (8.500 TEU) will become - once Panama Canal enlargement is completed in 2014- the new minimum standard. This means that the port and land transport infrastructure must follow to avoid bottle necks in the logistic chains.”
The CMA CGM Figaro will leave Savannah tomorrow and follow its rotation to Tanjung Pelapas via the Suez Canal, then Hong Kong, Yantian, Shanghai, Pusan, Seattle, Vancouver, Yokohama, Shanghai, Ningbo, Hong Kong, Yantian, Tanjung Pelapas, New York and Norfolk.