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Bureau Veritas has confirmed that it has been tasked with the classification of CMA CGM's new LNG-powered ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).

In a statement, Bureau Veritas said: "The decision for the nine ships to be fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been carefully considered and Bureau Veritas has been closely involved in feasibility studies, working with the owner, builders and technology providers."

Containment system designer Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) confirmed earlier today that each of the nine ships will have a bunker storage capacity of 18,600 cubic metres (cbm). Bureau Veritas said the amount "represents a significantly higher volume than has been required in the LNG fuelled ship market" [sic].

The certification agency added that it had investigated the feasibility of the bunker tank design together with shipbuilder China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) - the owner of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co. Ltd - and GTT.

Philippe Donche-Gay, President, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, remarked: "This is a breakthrough order for gas-fuelled shipping - both in scale and in the use of a membrane containment system. Bureau Veritas has been supporting the project throughout, providing assistance to ensure the requirements for the safe use of LNG are addressed."

Jean-Francois Segretain, Bureau Veritas Marine Technical Director, commented: "As CMA CGM have said, they will be the first shipping company in the world to equip giant containerships with LNG propulsion, pursuing a strong commitment to the protection of the environment and to ocean conservation. For us this is an exciting project to be involved in and our teams in China, supported by expertise in Paris, are looking forward to working on these innovative new ships."

Segretain added: "The award of class to Bureau Veritas further underlines Bureau Veritas leadership in the classification of LNG-fuelled ships with, presently, the largest share of the orderbook for gas-fuelled ships."