CMA CGM Iron: First dual-fuel methanol vessel to visit Khalifa Port

The CMA CGM Iron made a historic visit to CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, becoming the first dual-fuel methanol container vessel to call at Abu Dhabi.

This milestone marks a significant step in the strengthened partnership between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM Group, advancing their shared goal of maritime decarbonization.

The CMA CGM Iron, built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in Korea, is a dual-fuel vessel capable of running on both traditional fuels and alternative fuels like bio-methanol and e-methanol.

CMA CGM, a global leader in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, is a strategic partner of AD Ports Group. In addition to CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, which opened in December 2024 and increased Khalifa Port’s capacity by 23%, the two companies are collaborating on the development of a multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo.

The CMA CGM Iron, with a container capacity of 13,000 TEUs, is the first of 12 new dual-fuel methanol vessels planned by CMA CGM. The company also plans to launch additional dual-fuel vessels, such as the Cobalt, Argon, Platinum, Mercury, Helium, Krypton, Thorium, Osmium, Silver, Copper, and Gold throughout this year and in 2026.

These dual-fuel methanol vessels represent a major achievement on CMA CGM’s journey toward achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050, highlighting the strategic technological partnership with Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries and Korea in the effort to decarbonize the shipping industry.

The CMA CGM Iron’s visit to Abu Dhabi is part of the CMA CGM’s CIMEX1 service, which links Asia to the Middle East Gulf region. CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a joint venture between CMA Terminals (70%) and AD Ports Group (30%), operates as part of CMA CGM Group’s global presence, with investments in 60 terminals worldwide, reinforcing the company’s commitment to port management and high-quality customer service.

Located strategically between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is poised to become a major hub connecting Asia, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Arabian Gulf, and the Indian subcontinent. The terminal has an initial capacity of 1.8 million TEUs annually.

With two berths totaling 800 meters in length and a depth of 18.5 meters, the terminal is fully equipped to handle the world’s largest container ships. It features state-of-the-art, sustainable technology, including eight next-generation ship-to-shore cranes, 20 electric RTGs, and seamless connectivity to the Etihad Rail network. The terminal’s administrative building is powered by renewable energy, including solar panels, and was recognized with the MENA Green Building Awards in 2022. The terminal also boasts a 90-hectare container yard, ensuring smooth and efficient port operations.

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