CMA CGM has carried out what it describes as the largest single biomethanol bunkering operation conducted at a Chinese port, with its vessel CMA CGM Osmium receiving more than 3,600 tonnes of the alternative fuel at Yangshan Port.

According to the French container shipping group, the delivery marks the first time a vessel in its fleet has operated on biomethanol.

CMA CGM noted that the fuel can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by around 65% compared with conventional marine fuels.

The bunkering was conducted in cooperation with Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd (SIPG Energy) and Shanghai Electric Group Co., Ltd.

CMA CGM said the operation represents progress towards establishing a biomethanol supply chain capable of supporting larger-scale deployment of the fuel. The company has previously set a target of reaching net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2050.

CMA CGM Osmium is a 13,000-teu dual-fuel methanol containership which was officially named during a ceremony in South Korea on 23 February. The vessel is being deployed on the company’s M2X service, also known as the Mexico Express, which operates on a loop between East Asia and Mexico.

In January, CMA CGM took delivery of another new dual-fuel methanol-powered containership, the CMA CGM Thorium, which has also been deployed on its M2X service.

During the same month, the 15,000-teu CMA CGM Monte Cristo — a boxship with dual-fuel capability to operate on methanol — was named as the carrier's 400th fully owned vessel.