The CMA CGM Iron, a groundbreaking dual-fuel methanol container vessel, made history March 15, 2025 by calling at CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi. This marks the first-ever visit of such a vessel to the region, solidifying the collaboration between AD Ports Group and the CMA CGM Group in advancing maritime decarbonization.
Constructed by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in Korea, the CMA CGM Iron boasts state-of-the-art technology, enabling it to operate on both conventional fuels and alternative options such as bio-methanol and e-methanol. This cutting-edge vessel sets a new benchmark for sustainable shipping.
Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating: “The arrival of the CMA CGM Iron dual-fuel container vessel heralds a transformative era for the global maritime industry. Under the wise leadership of the UAE, AD Ports Group is at the forefront of developing sustainable infrastructure, including biofuel storage and distribution at Khalifa Port. Our commitment extends beyond supporting shipping customers to empowering KEZAD economic cities, whose clients are increasingly adopting biofuels in their operations.”
Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President for Assets and Operations at CMA CGM Group, added: “The debut of our dual-fuel methanol vessel at Khalifa Port underscores our shared ambition with AD Ports Group to create sustainable, cutting-edge infrastructure. Together, we aim to position CMA Terminals Khalifa Port as a pivotal hub connecting Asia, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Gulf, and the Indian subcontinent while advancing towards our Net Zero Carbon goal by 2050.”
CMA CGM, a global leader in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, has strengthened its strategic partnership with AD Ports Group. Since its inauguration in December 2024, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port has expanded Khalifa Port’s capacity by 23%. The two companies are also jointly developing a multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo.
The CMA CGM Iron, with a capacity of 13,000 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), is the first of 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels planned for launch by CMA CGM. This year and into 2026, the fleet will expand with ships named Cobalt, Argon, Platinum, Mercury, Helium, Krypton, Thorium, Osmium, Silver, Copper, and Gold. These vessels demonstrate CMA CGM Group’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and highlight its innovative partnership with Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries to decarbonize the shipping industry.
This historic visit is part of CMA CGM’s CIMEX1 service, connecting Asia with the Middle East Gulf region. CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a joint venture between CMA Terminals (70%) and AD Ports Group (30%), stands as a testament to CMA CGM’s investment in sustainable port management. With operations across 60 terminals worldwide, the Group continues to enhance its global footprint.
Strategically located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port aspires to become a vital hub linking Asia, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Arabian Gulf, and the Indian subcontinent. The terminal has an annual handling capacity of 1.8 million TEUs and boasts state-of-the-art, eco-friendly features, including 8 next-generation ship-to-shore cranes and 20 electric RTGs.
Seamlessly connected to the Etihad Rail network, the port also includes an administrative building powered by renewable energy, which won the MENA Green Building Award in 2022. A sprawling 90-hectare container yard ensures efficient operations, reinforcing Khalifa Port’s position as a leader in maritime infrastructure.
