CMA CGM Names 13,000-TEU Methanol Dual-Fuel Vessel CMA CGM OSMIUM

CMA CGM has officially named the CMA CGM OSMIUM, a state-of-the-art 13,000-TEU methanol dual-fuel vessel, in South Korea. Slated for the M2X Asia-Mexico service, the ship marks a major milestone in the carrier’s Net Zero 2050 strategy and reinforces the rapid maritime shift toward methanol as a primary, scalable alternative marine fuel.

South Korea | February 26, 2026 – In a significant boost to its low-carbon fleet, CMA CGM has officially named the CMA CGM OSMIUM, a 13,000-TEU container ship powered by advanced methanol dual-fuel technology. The naming ceremony, held at a premier South Korean shipyard, represents another milestone in the French shipping giant’s multi-billion dollar commitment to the energy transition.

The vessel was formally welcomed by its Master, Captain MA XunMin, and its godmother, Dorothée Regazzoni (Head of Territory, BNP Paribas South Korea), following long-standing maritime traditions to mark the start of its service life.

Strategic Deployment: The M2X Service

The CMA CGM OSMIUM is destined for the M2X service, a vital trade corridor connecting Asia with Mexico. By deploying high-capacity, dual-fuel tonnage on this route, CMA CGM is scaling its ability to offer verified low-carbon transport solutions to customers in the Transpacific and Latin American markets.

Vessel Profile: CMA CGM OSMIUM

CMA CGM Dual-Fuel Fleet: The LNG and Methanol Strategy

As of early 2026, CMA CGM has solidified its position as a global leader in the maritime energy transition. The Group currently operates more than 650 vessels, with a clear trajectory toward operating 200 dual-fuel ships by 2031.

With the delivery of the CMA CGM OSMIUM and the recently launched CMA CGM Monte Cristo, the carrier now has 11 methanol-powered ships in active service, with another 24 on the order book. This fleet diversification sits alongside their established LNG leadership, anchored by the 23,000-TEU CMA CGM Jacques Saadé, ensuring a fuel-agnostic fleet ready for the next generation of bio- and e-fuels.

Methanol: The Rising Star of Marine Bunkering

Methanol is rapidly becoming the fuel of choice for deep-sea shipping due to its manageable handling and high readiness. Unlike LNG, methanol remains liquid at ambient temperatures, allowing it to be stored in conventional tanks with relatively minor modifications, significantly reducing bunkering infrastructure costs.

• Emissions Profile: Methanol eliminates SOx, reduces NOx by up to 60%, and cuts particulate matter to negligible levels.
• Green Transition: While conventional methanol offers modest savings, Green Methanol (bio-based or e-methanol) can reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 83%.
• Infrastructure Growth: As more 13,000-TEU+ vessels like the OSMIUM enter service, bunkering hubs in South Korea, China, and Mexico are under pressure to scale methanol supply chains to meet surging demand.

“This vessel embodies our commitment to supporting global trade while accelerating the energy transition in shipping,” CMA CGM stated, highlighting their 57% reduction in carbon intensity since 2008.

About CMA CGM

The CMA CGM Group is a global leader in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, guided by its corporate purpose: “We imagine better ways to serve a world in motion.”

Present in 177 countries, the Group employs 160,000 people, including nearly 6,000 in Marseille, where its headquarters are located. As the world’s third-largest container shipping company, CMA CGM serves more than 420 ports across five continents with a fleet of over 650 vessels, carrying more than 23 million TEUs in 2024.

Through subsidiaries such as CEVA Logistics, CMA CGM AIR CARGO, and CMA Media, the Group has built an integrated global platform spanning logistics, air freight, and media, while maintaining a strong commitment to energy transition, humanitarian aid, and education worldwide.

Source: CMA CGM