CMA CGM to retrofit bulbous bows

Ten of CMA CGM’s vessels are to have their bulbous bows retrofitted in order to continue improving the fleet’s energy efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint.

The carrier says that bulbous bows exchanges, performed within a week in repair yards’ dry docks, reduce significantly the ship’s fuel consumption and cut CO2 emissions.

Bulbous bows are the underwater part of the bow.  Because of their influence on the vessel’s wave resistance, their design has a major impact on the vessel hydrodynamic efficiency. They were initially designed for 24 knots sailing speed. Following the implementation of the slow steaming, the Group’s vessels now sail at speeds between 16 to 18 knots. Bulbous bows have therefore been redesigned.