Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has classed its first methanol dual-fuel containership, the 15,000-teu CMA CGM Antigone, following the vessel’s delivery from CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard in China.

The vessel was officially named on 11 December and delivered on 12 December. It is the lead ship in Jiangnan Shipyard’s independently designed “Kun” series of methanol-capable container ships in the 15,000-teu segment.

With an overall length of 366 metres, the vessel is powered by a methanol dual-fuel propulsion system designed to reduce environmental impact significantly.

According to Bureau Veritas (BV), the configuration enables substantial reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) and the near elimination of sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions, supporting early compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 emissions targets.

Ahead of construction, BV assembled a dedicated team of gas-carrier and alternative-fuel specialists to support the project. This included training for surveyors and the client’s technical team, along with a review of forthcoming international regulations to facilitate initial and future compliance.

During the design phase, Bureau Veritas worked with Jiangnan Shipyard to refine structural arrangements and integrate the methanol fuel system, using advanced simulation tools to meet safety requirements while managing lightship weight.

Classification services were provided in line with BV’s Rules for Methanol & Ethanol Fueled Ships, covering ship design and fuel system safety. Throughout construction, surveyors conducted targeted inspections of fire protection, ventilation, and explosion-proof systems to reinforce onboard safety.

Xavier Leclercq, VP of New Building at CMA Ships, commented: "This ship is the first methanol dual-fuel container ship received by CMA CGM in China. Its successful construction and delivery are the result of the hard work and close cooperation of all project partners: Jiangnan Shipyard, China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd., CMA CGM Group, Bureau Veritas, and all other relevant parties."

Hu Hongyu, Vice General Manager of CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard, said: "The delivery of this ship is not only another fruit of the profound friendship and outstanding cooperation between CMA CGM and Jiangnan, but also another model of win-win cooperation between China and France in the field of high-end manufacturing."

The classification of CMA CGM Antigone represents Bureau Veritas’ entry into methanol dual-fuel container ship certification, as shipowners increasingly adopt alternative fuels in response to tightening emissions requirements and the industry’s broader decarbonisation goals.