CMA CGM Iron becomes first dual-fuel methanol vessel to dock at Khalifa Port
The arrival of the CMA CGM Iron highlights a major step toward sustainable shipping in the region.
UAE – The CMA CGM Iron has become the first dual-fuel methanol container vessel to dock at CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi.
The ship, constructed by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in Korea, can operate on both conventional fuels and alternative options such as bio-methanol and e-methanol, according to an official statement from AD Ports.
Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group, said the vessel’s arrival represents the future of the maritime industry. He explained that AD Ports Group, following the UAE leadership’s vision, is taking the lead in developing infrastructure for biofuel storage and distribution.
“We are committed to providing a viable commercial biofuels infrastructure at Khalifa Port, not only for our shipping customers but also for clients in our KEZAD economic cities, many of whom are increasingly introducing biofuels in their own operations.”
Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President of Assets and Operations at CMA CGM Group, highlighted the environmental significance of the vessel. She stated that its arrival marks a key milestone in the company’s objective of reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
“It underscores the shared ambition of the CMA CGM Group and AD Ports Group to position CMA Terminals Khalifa Port as a sustainable, cutting-edge infrastructure, delivering optimal service and strengthening its role as a key hub connecting Asia, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Gulf, and the Indian subcontinent.”
The CMA CGM Iron has a container capacity of 13,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and is part of a larger initiative by CMA CGM.
The company intends to introduce 11 more dual-fuel methanol vessels, including the Cobalt, Argon, Platinum, Mercury, Helium, Krypton, Thorium, Osmium, Silver, Copper, and Gold, between this year and 2026.
Growing interest in methanol-powered vessels
Besides CMA CGM, other major shipping companies are also investing in methanol-powered vessels. Maersk, for example, has expanded its fleet with the Antonia Mærsk and a retrofitted version of the Maersk Halifax.
The Maersk Halifax, which originally ran on conventional fuel, underwent conversion at the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China. The retrofit, completed in October 2024, involved installing new fuel tanks, a fuel preparation room, and a fuel supply system.
The hull was extended by 15 meters, increasing the ship’s length to 368 meters and boosting its capacity from 15,000 TEUs to 15,690 TEUs.
Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management and Technology at Maersk, confirmed that the Maersk Halifax is now back in operation.
“Following the completion of the sea trials, Maersk Halifax has returned to operation and is now servicing our customers on the Trans-Pacific trade.”
The transition to dual-fuel methanol ships marks a significant change for the global shipping industry as companies aim to reduce emissions and meet stricter environmental regulations.
With ports like Khalifa Port adapting to support these advancements, the industry is shifting toward cleaner fuel alternatives.
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