Fleet augmentation for CMA CGM
The “Fort de France” is the first of four containerships that will go into service on the French West Indies trade for the shipping group CMA CGM. The 219 m long newbuild, with a capacity of 3,500 teu, is specially adapted for ports in the French West Indies and the local market.
One important feature is the large number of reefer plugs that are needed to transport perishables like bananas, for example. The ship is able to carry 850 refrigerated containers in all. The French carrier will commission the other three sisterships – the “Fort Royal, Fort Saint Charles and Fort Fleur d'épée” - in spring and summer this year.
The North Europe French Indies line, which connects Europe with the ports of Guadeloupe and Martinique in less than ten days, expects to convey 270,000 t of banana per year from the West Indies to Dunkirk (France), within the framework of a transport contract with Ugpban, the local association of banana producers. (kd)