Malta Freeport Terminals (MFT) has congratulated CMA CGM, a major French transport company, on launching the CMA CGM Jacques Saade, the largest liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered container ship in the history of maritime transport.

MFT CEO Alex Montebello said: “We salute CMA CGM for this outstanding achievement, which demonstrates the shipping line’s commitment to a cleaner environment, and very much look forward to welcoming CMA CGM Jacques Saade in Malta”.

Named after the Group’s founder, CMA CGM Group’s new flagship is the first in a series of nine 23,000 TEU container ships equipped with the latest technologies as a result of seven years of research.

The vessel joins the French Asia Line, CMA CGM Group’s most emblematic line between Asia and Northern Europe.

“LNG is the most advanced solution when it comes to preserving air quality and this technology is one of the first steps towards achieving the Group’s ambitious 2050 carbon neutral objective,” said the MFT in a social media update.