CMA CGM celebrated the arrival of its first Indian-flagged containership, CMA CGM Vitoria, at Nhava Sheva on April 28, 2025. Attended by Minister Shantanu Thakur, this milestone underscores the Group’s commitment to India, enhancing trade connections with a capacity of 2,592 TEU within the BIGEX Network.
NYK and the Hong Kong Police Force recently conducted a counterterrorism drill on board NYK’s NYK Daniella, a 210-meter, 2,664-TEU containership in Hong Kong’s waters. The drill lasted an hour, involving terrorists entering the vessel by boat, leading to a search and suppression operation by Hong Kong special forces.
Crowley’s new LNG-powered containership, Quetzal, has set sail on its maiden commercial voyage, ushering in a new era in ocean shipping. The vessel can carry up to 1,400 TEUs and runs on cleaner LNG fuel. Designed for efficiency and versatility, these ships promise faster and more frequent services to various destinations.
Twelve days after the containership MSC Baltic III ran aground in Canada during a winter storm, the Canadian Coast Guard has determined it cannot be safely refloated. Salvage efforts are hindered by bad weather, focusing on removing fuel and potential contaminants. The urgency is heightened by the threat of worsening conditions.
The Canadian Coast Guard is leading efforts to survey the MSC Baltic III, a cargo ship grounded in a winter storm. Crew rescued in challenging conditions, with 20 members airlifted to safety. Emergency zone established, salvage teams mobilized. Weather remains a hurdle, but forecast offers hope for smooth salvage operations by midweek.
On February 15, the MSC Baltic III ran aground near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland, after losing power during a severe winter storm. Canadian SAR teams quickly responded, rescuing 20 crew members, five of whom were injured. The operation showcased effective coordination amidst harsh weather, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in maritime emergencies.
The ATSB report on the CMA CGM Puccini incident in Melbourne revealed crew’s lack of proficiency in steering gear operation caused the ship to hit a navigation beacon. Inadequate training and unclear procedures led to a hydraulic malfunction, resulting in the collision. The importance of clear instructions and proper training was emphasized to prevent future accidents.
Energy Observer, backed by the EU’s Innovation Fund, is developing the world’s largest liquid hydrogen-powered cargo ship. The project, EO2, received €40 million to design a 160-meter containership with a 1,100 TEU capacity. The goal is to create the most eco-friendly cargo ship, with plans for commercial operations in 2029.
Analysts have observed a sharp rise in containership construction due to demand and fleet modernization. Alphaliner predicts continued growth, with record orders for containerships. Top carriers are investing in new vessels to meet capacity needs and environmental regulations. Fleet renewal and efficiency improvements are driving the surge in orders.
Efforts to create the world’s first clean containership for ocean voyages, utilizing wind power and hydrogen fuel cells, are progressing with Veer Voyage. The innovative vessels are designed for speed and efficiency, with a focus on sustainability. Financing and partnerships are in place to bring these zero-emission ships to the seas by 2027.
South Korean shipbuilding group HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has secured a significant $27 billion order for new containerships, believed to be from CMA CGM. The 12 vessels, with a capacity of 15,500 TEU, will be constructed at HD Hyundai Shipyard and HD Hyundai Samho. This order reflects a strong demand for high-cost vessels and positions HD Hyundai as a key player in the industry.
A Hong Kong-registered containership collided with large container cranes at a port in Turkey, injuring one crane operator. The incident occurred as the 145,000 dwt vessel, YM Witness, attempted to dock but failed to stop. Videos show the chaotic scene as the cranes toppled over, with containers falling into the harbor.
South Korea launched a new containership for Level 3 autonomous shipping, aiming to lead in the development of autonomous vessels. The vessel, named Pos Singapore, is 564 feet long with a capacity of 1,800 TEU. The government has invested over $120 million in research and development for this technology, with plans for international demonstrations later this year.
Ocean Network Express (ONE) is investing in methanol dual-fueled containerships, part of a $20 billion fleet and operations strategy. The vessels, to be delivered in 2027, will have a capacity of 13,000 TEU and feature state-of-the-art technologies for fuel efficiency and GHG emissions reduction. The move aligns with ONE’s sustainable goals.
