CMB and Boeckmans Partner for hydrogen-powered newbuilds

Belgium’s Compagnie Maritime Belge has partnered with Boeckmans to construct four hydrogen-powered general cargo vessels through its cleantech division, CMB.Tech. The ships, with a weight of 5,000 dwt, will be built at the Dung Quat shipyard in Vietnam and are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2025.

The ships, which are being designed in collaboration with Handelskade, will have diesel-electric engines installed under the forward accommodation area. This will free up the stern for alternative low-carbon propulsion systems, such as hydrogen engines. The ships will also have enough space for storing these alternative fuel sources.

Pierre Durot, the director of Boeckmans explained that the primary focus of the ship’s design is to lower emissions by using hull shaping, innovative design, and the latest technologies and have successfully reduced emissions by 40% when compared to traditional general cargo vessels in diesel mode. Furthermore, it can also reduce emissions even further by implementing new sustainable propulsion systems and creating storage space for fuels like hydrogen. The ship’s diesel-electric configuration makes it easy to integrate new systems into the power grid.

In the latest development, Alexander Saverys, the CEO of CMB. Tech, stated that their partnership with Boeckmans is pioneering new grounds in terms of maritime sustainability. The design of their cargo ships is aimed at reducing emissions, which is a huge step forward. By incorporating innovative propulsion systems like hydrogen, they are not just building ships but also working towards a greener future for global trade routes.

The new ships will be used on major sea routes, such as Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and West Africa.