The CMA CGM Iron, a dual-fuel methanol container vessel, made a historic call at CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, marking the first such vessel to arrive in the emirate. This milestone underscores the strengthened cooperation between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM Group in advancing maritime decarbonisation.

Built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, the CMA CGM Iron is capable of operating on both conventional and alternative fuels, including biomethanol and e-methanol.

Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of AD Ports Group’s Ports Cluster, emphasised AD Ports Group’s leading role in developing sustainable infrastructure, including biofuel storage and distribution at Khalifa Port, to support both shipping customers and clients within its KEZAD economic cities.

Christine Cabau Woehrel, CMA CGM Group’s executive vice president for assets and operations, highlighted the call as a significant step towards the CMA CGM Group’s 2050 Net Zero Carbon target and praised the collaborative effort with AD Ports Group in establishing CMA Terminals Khalifa Port as a sustainable and advanced port infrastructure, serving as a key hub connecting major global regions.

Beyond CMA Terminals Khalifa Port (inaugurated in December 2024, expanding Khalifa Port’s capacity by 23 percent), CMA CGM and AD Ports Group are jointly developing a multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo. The CMA CGM Iron, with a capacity of 13,000 TEUs, is the first of twelve dual-fuel methanol vessels planned by CMA CGM.

CMA CGM’s dual-fuel methanol vessels represent a major step towards its Net Zero Carbon goal and showcase the strategic technological partnership with Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries. The CMA CGM Iron’s Abu Dhabi visit was part of CMA CGM’s CIMEX1 service connecting Asia to the Middle East Gulf region. CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a joint venture between CMA Terminals and AD Ports Group, aims to become a major regional hub, boasting state-of-the-art sustainable technology, including renewable energy sources, and significant handling capacity.

For more information visit www.adportsgroup.com