Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyards, the CMA CGM LEO is the fifth of a series of 12 vessels of 11,400 TEU ordered by the CMA CGM Group and that will be delivered between 2010 and 2011.
This new giant of the seas, registered in Valetta, will be one of the largest containerships sailing under Maltese flag. One other vessel of the Group to be delivered soon will also be registered in Malta, a European flag which is part of the white list of the 'Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control' a guarantee of safety, security and environmental protection. CMA CGM Group has been present in Malta for many years and operates the Malta Freeport Terminal.
The CMA CGM LEO has impressive dimensions (360 meter long, 45 meter large, 15.5 meter draught) and is one of the first vessels of the Group to receive the new Bureau Veritas classification notations Clean Ship C and FORS. These notations confirm the environmental performance of the vessel which is equipped with innovative environmental-friendly features such as :
- An electronically controlled engine, reducing oil and fuel consumption, thus enabling the vessel to be operated at eco-speed,
- The pioneering Fast Oil Recovery System,
- A leading edge rudder and an optimized hull design improving the vessel's hydrodynamics, thus reducing its carbon emissions.
The CMA CGM LEO will join the CMA CGM CHRISTOPHE COLOMB and CMA CGM AMERIGO VESPUCCI on the FAL 5 (French Asia Line) service operated between Asia and Europe. This key market has been steadily growing for months and registered a 22% growth since the beginning of the year.
The vessel will start its rotation on July 8th in Ningbo before calling Shanghai, Yantian, Tanjung Pelepas, Port Klang, Le Havre, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Port Klang and Singapore.
CMA CGM Group will also take delivery beginning of August of CMA CGM PEGASUS, sister ship of CMA CGM LEO. The vessel will also be deployed on the FAL 5 service.
'CMA CGM invested in a modern and competitive fleet, being both efficient and environmental-friendly. The delivery of CMA CGM LEO and PEGASUS will allow CMA CGM Group to meet the steady customer demand and strengthens its leading position on the Asia-Europe market while taking into account environmental stakes according to the Group's commitments and values', explains Nicolas Sartini, Senior Vice President Asia / Europe Lines, CMA CGM Group.
