News

CMB.TECH and Boeckmans to build 4 future-proof hydrogen-powered 5.000dwt general cargo vessels

Nov 29, 2023 | Fleet

-PRESS RELEASE-

 

29.11.2023 – CMB.TECH and Boeckmans are pleased to announce their collaboration that will accelerate the decarbonisation of the maritime industry: the development of 4 future-proof hydrogen-powered 5.000dwt general cargo vessels with significantly reduced greenhouse emissions.

The first vessel is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2025. The vessels will be built at the Dung Quat shipyard in Vietnam and will be deployed on major sea routes, including northern Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and West Africa.

 

 

Future-proof design

The general cargo vessel, designed jointly with Handelskade, will contain diesel-electric engines placed under the ship’s forward accommodation. This configuration will make the stern available for pioneering propulsion systems, such as hydrogen (but other alternative low-carbon engines can be installed as well). In addition, there will be ample space available for storage of these alternative fuel sources.

“The ship’s primary design philosophy is to achieve lower emissions through hull shaping, innovative design and the application of the latest technologies. We succeeded in reducing emissions by 40% compared to traditional general cargo vessels in diesel mode. This can be reduced even further by implementing new sustainable propulsion systems and create storage space for fuels such as hydrogen. The ship’s diesel-electric configuration simplifies the integration of new systems into the power grid.” – Director of Boeckmans, Pierre Durot

This partnership demonstrates the commitment of both CMB.TECH and Boeckmans to promote sustainability in the maritime sector while providing efficient and reliable transportation solutions for global trade routes.

“Through our partnership with Boeckmans, we are once again breaking new ground in maritime sustainability. Our commitment to reducing emissions through the design of these cargo ships is a huge step forward. By embracing innovative propulsion systems such as hydrogen, we are not just building ships; we are working toward a greener future for global trade routes.” – CEO of CMB.TECH, Alexander Saverys

About CMB and CMB.TECH
CMB (Compagnie Maritime Belge) is a diversified shipping and cleantech group based in Antwerp, Belgium. CMB owns and operates 150 seagoing vessels in dry bulk (Bocimar), container transport (Delphis), chemical tankers (Bochem) & crew transfer vessels (Windcat). CMB is also active in cleantech (CMB.TECH) and real estate (MCA Facilities, Maritime Campus Antwerp). CMB has offices in Japan, Namibia, Singapore, China, Germany, UK and The Netherlands. Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.
CMB.TECH is a shipping and cleantech company that develops, builds, owns and operates large marine and industrial applications that can run on hydrogen or ammonia. CMB.TECH also offers hydrogen and ammonia fuel to its customers, either through own production or third party producers. Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.

About Boeckmans
Boeckmans is a shipping company that integrates major aspects of commercial maritime activities. Founded more than 85 years ago in Antwerp, the company has evolved from its roots in shipping agency and forwarding to include shipoperating, shipowning as well as technical and commercial shipmanagement for its own fleet of MPP shortsea vessels.
Besides a strong independent approach towards the shipping world and industries, Boeckmans has reached a high level of quality and knowledge in important niche markets, mainly in coastal trades in Europe, Mediterranean and North-West Africa.
Boeckmans, with offices in Antwerp and Rotterdam, now has 4 divisions: logistics, chartering, agency and shipmanagement. Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.

CONTACT
For interviews, more information and/or additional footage:

CMB.TECH
Katrien Hennin
Head of Marketing and Communications
+32 499 39 34 70
Katrien.hennin@cmb.be

BOECKMANS
Director
Pierre.durot@boeckmans.be
Mobile: +32 476 48 44 49