CMA CGM’s fuel fiddle goes LNG while methanol stays in the kettle

In the UK, The Loadstar reports at the Singapore International Bunkering Conference on October 9, CMA CGM’s Vice President of Bunkering and Energy Transition, Farid Trad, announced that the company is focusing on LNG as a preferred transitional fuel due to its scalability and years of use, while still keeping methanol as an option. Trad explained that LNG has been in use for several years and has already scaled up within the shipping industry, whereas methanol, though promising, still requires more time to gain market traction. 

Despite CMA CGM’s focus on LNG, Trad did not dismiss methanol, stating it is “easy-to-handle” and would depend on future market efficiencies. Trad noted the growing role of renewable and low-carbon fuels, but he also stressed that these markets are still in their early stages and face challenges due to high costs. He called for government intervention to bridge the price gap and promote the adoption of greener fuels. According to Trad, uncertainty around renewable energy investment and adoption remains one of the biggest barriers to further progress. He urged clear rules and collaboration between governments, shipping companies, and shippers to drive the transition to low-carbon fuels.

CMA CGM has 78 ships on order with both LNG and methanol dual-fuel options, continuing its commitment to decarbonization.

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