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CMA CGM has announced its decision to equip nine ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) with engines using liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The 22,000-TEU newbuilds are due to be delivered in 2020.

In a statement, the French firm said the development was a "technological breakthrough for the environment", adding: "CMA CGM is becoming the first shipping company in the world to equip giant containerships with this type of motorisation, thus pursuing its firm commitment to the protection of the environment and to ocean conservation."

CMA CGM also explained that whilst the nine containerships will be LNG-powered, "a few percent of marine gas oil" will also be used for the ignition in the combustion chamber.

Rodolphe Saade, CMA CGM Group CEO, remarked: "We have made the bold decision to equip our future 22,000 TEU vessels with a technology firmly focused on the protection of the environment. By choosing LNG, CMA CGM confirms its ambition to be a leading force in the industry in environmental protection by being a pioneer in innovative and eco-responsible technologies."

Earlier this year, CMA CGM, its subsidiary CMA Ships, and partners, presented the results of phase II of the Piston Engine Room Free Efficient Containership (PERFECt) joint industry project (JIP) to develop an electric-driven 20,000-TEU ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) with an LNG-fuelled combined cycle gas and steam turbine (COGES) electric power plant.

The goals of the project are to utilize LNG as a primary fuel for an ultra-low emissions profile in a design with at least the same carrying capacity and efficiency as existing ULCVs.

Last year, Bunker Index reported that CMA CGM had signed an MoU with LNG player Engie for the two companies to conduct research into the development of engineering specifications for a bunkering vessel adapted to LNG-powered container ships.

Between 2005 and 2015, CMA CGM says it reduced its CO2 emissions per container transported per kilometer by 50 percent and has a plan in place to reduce its CO2 emissions by a further 30 percent between 2015 and 2025.