French shipping group CMA CGM has taken delivery of a new dual-fuel methanol-powered containership, the CMA CGM Thorium, which has been deployed on its M2X service.

The vessel, which was named in Mokpo, South Korea, is described as a new-generation containership capable of operating on methanol as part of the carrier’s energy transition strategy.

CMA CGM said the vessel will strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific market through the M2X service, also known as the Mexico Express, which operates on a loop between East Asia and Mexico.

Methanol-capable vessels form part of CMA CGM’s broader fleet renewal and newbuilding strategy as container shipping lines invest in alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Earlier this month, the CMA CGM Monte Cristo — a 15,000-teu containership equipped with dual-fuel capability to operate on methanol — was named as the shipper's 400th fully owned vessel.

And in December, the French shipping firm named the dual-fuel methanol vessels CMA CGM Eugenie and CMA CGM Antigone, which are to operate on the BEX2 route connecting Asia, the Middle East and Mediterranean.