Malta Freeport Terminals today welcomed CMA CGM Berenice on her maiden call to Malta, marking the largest methanol dual-fuel container vessel to call at Malta Freeport.
The vessel's arrival represents another milestone for Malta Freeport Terminals, demonstrating the facility's ability to accommodate and efficiently handle the latest generatin of container vessels while reinforcing Malta's strategic role as a key transhipment hub connecting major international markets.
Measuring 366 metres in length, with a beam of 51 metres and a nominal capacity of 16,204 TEUs, CMA CGM Berenice is the fifth vessel in a series of six methanol dual-fuel container ships introduced by CMA CGM as part of the group's fleet renewal and decarbonisation strategy.
Sailing under the Maltese flag, the vessel combines alternative-fuel capability with advanced engineering features designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Beyond its methanol dual-fuel capability, CMA CGM Berenice incorporates a range of advanced engineering and hydrodynamic innovations designed to maximise efficiency.
These include an optimised hull form, an integrated submerged bulbous bow, high-efficiency propulsion systems and energy-saving devices that reduce water resistance, improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions throughout the vessel's operational life, supporting CMA CGM's strategy of developing a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible fleet.
The vessel called at Malta Freeport on the MEX 1 Asia-Mediterranean service berthing at Terminal One, where cargo operations were carried out using [five] megamax quay cranes.
Malta Freeport Terminals CEO Alex Montebello said: "The arrival of CMA CGM Berenice reflects both the confidence placed in Malta Freeport Terminals by CMA CGM, the largest customer of Malta Freeport and one of the world's leading shipping groups transitioning towards more sustainable operations.
"Our continued investment in infrastructure, equipment and technology ensures we remain well positioned to handle the latest generation of container vessels while supporting the future needs of global maritime trade."
CMA CGM VP Line, Philippe Lesbros, said: "The maiden call of the CMA CGM Berenice in Malta is a strong illustration of CMA CGM's commitment to the energy transition of shipping. As one of the latest additions to our fleet, this 16,000-TEU methanol dual-fuel vessel combines alternative-fuel capability with the highest standards of efficiency and innovation. This first call also reflects the strong and longstanding ties between CMA CGM and Malta, a strategic hub at the heart of our Mediterranean network."
The call also highlights Malta Freeport Terminals' ongoing investment programme, including the expansion of Terminal Two and continued investment in advanced container handling equipment and infrastructure designed to increase capacity, improve productivity and strengthen the Terminal's competitiveness.
Alongside these investments, Malta Freeport Terminals is implementing its long-term decarbonisation strategy, with the objective of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 through investment in renewable energy, energy-efficient equipment, operational improvements and Onshore Power Supply.