The vessel CMA CGM Iron has called at CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, becoming the first dual-fuel methanol container ship to sail to Abu Dhabi. This milestone further strengthens the collaboration between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM Group in the decarbonization of the maritime industry.
Built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in South Korea, CMA CGM Iron is a dual-fuel vessel capable of running on both conventional fuels and alternative fuels such as bio-methanol and e-methanol.
Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, stated:
“The arrival of the dual-fuel container ship CMA CGM Iron is a sign of what’s to come in the global maritime industry. Under the wise leadership of the UAE, AD Ports Group is at the forefront of developing infrastructure for a sustainable future, including biofuel storage and distribution. We are committed to providing viable commercial biofuel infrastructure at Khalifa Port, not only for our shipping clients but also for customers in our KEZAD economic cities, many of whom are increasingly adopting biofuels in their operations.”
Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President of Assets and Operations, CMA CGM Group, added:
“The arrival of the first methanol dual-fuel vessel at Khalifa Port marks a significant milestone in our journey toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It highlights the shared ambition of CMA CGM Group and AD Ports Group to position CMA Terminals Khalifa Port as a sustainable, state-of-the-art facility, ensuring optimal service and strengthening its role as a key hub connecting Asia, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Arabian Gulf, and the Indian subcontinent.”
As a global player in maritime, land, air, and logistics solutions, CMA CGM is a strategic partner of AD Ports Group. Apart from CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, which was inaugurated in December 2024 and increased Khalifa Port’s capacity by 23%, the companies are also jointly developing a multi-purpose terminal in Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo.
With a container capacity of 13,000 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), CMA CGM Iron is the first of 12 new dual-fuel methanol vessels planned by CMA CGM. The company also intends to launch dual-fuel vessels named Cobalt, Argon, Platinum, Mercury, Helium, Krypton, Thorium, Osmium, Silver, Copper, and Gold in 2025 and 2026.
CMA CGM’s dual-fuel methanol ships represent a major step in the Group’s net-zero carbon strategy for 2050. This initiative highlights the strategic and technological partnership between CMA CGM, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, and South Korea to decarbonize the shipping industry.
CMA CGM Iron arrived in Abu Dhabi as part of the CIMEX1 service, which connects Asia with the Arabian Gulf region in the Middle East. CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is a joint venture between CMA CGM’s CMA Terminals (70%) and AD Ports Group (30%).
With investments in 60 terminals worldwide, CMA CGM Group continues to expand its presence in port operations, supporting the growth of its shipping lines and ensuring optimal service quality for customers.
Strategically located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is set to become a key hub linking Asia, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Arabian Gulf, and the Indian subcontinent. The terminal’s initial annual capacity is 1.8 million TEU.
Featuring two berths with a total length of 800 meters and a depth of 18.5 meters, the terminal is designed to accommodate the world’s largest container ships. It is equipped with state-of-the-art, sustainable technology, including 8 next-generation ship-to-shore cranes and 20 electric RTGs. The facility also offers seamless connectivity to the Etihad Rail network.
Additionally, the terminal includes an administrative building powered by renewable energy, featuring on-site solar panels, which received the MENA Green Building Award in 2022. A 90-hectare container yard further enhances operations, ensuring efficient and seamless port activities.
