CMA CGM earmarks 100 ships for upgrades

French liner giant CMA CGM has tapped Damen Shipyards Group to modify around 100 of its ships.

The modifications are aimed to deliver fuel efficiencies of more than 10%. The upgrades will take place at Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque (DSDu) and Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (DSAm), which between them have some of Europe’s largest drydocks.

The key feature of the cooperation will be the installation of bulbs on the bows of the vessels.

Other modifications being discussed include a propeller upgrade, modifications to the propeller nozzle, and silicone paint, with some ships also being kitted out to be able to access shore power.

A host of other cash-rich global liners such as Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have recently earmarked a portion of their fleets for emissions saving upgrades.

The global ship repair sector looks poised for strong revenue growth in the coming years as recently enacted 2030 green targets set by the International Maritime Organization collide with an ageing merchant fleet.

Recent data from Clarksons Research shows that 35% of the global merchant fleet ranks as D and E in terms of IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator, something that will require changes. 31% of the global merchant fleet is now above 15 years old, according to Clarksons.

A recent report from UK consultancy Thetius suggests the global ship repair market will grow from a market size of $46bn this year to $83bn by 2029.