Foreship designs new standards of sustainability for CMA CGM ro-pax newbuilds

Foreship’s expertise in energy efficiency and sustainability is proving vital for two advanced RoPax ferries that will join operations with CMA CGM subsidiary La Méridionale in 2027, modernizing west Mediterranean services between Marseille and Corsica.

Designed to carry 1,000 passengers and 2,500 lane meters of freight, the 180-metre vessels will feature dual-fuel main engines and a 13 MWh battery energy storage system, enabling zero-emission port stays. While shore charging will be available in Marseille, the battery capacity is sufficient to cover hotel loads during calls in Corsica, ensuring port operations will be entirely emission-free.

Commissioned to deliver the concept design, Foreship developed the general arrangement and outline specifications, and supported CMA CGM in shipyard negotiations. The company is also providing naval architecture services throughout the design and construction phases, including consultancy on stability, energy efficiency, and compliance with Safe Return to Port regulations.

“With over 40 shipboard battery projects completed, Foreship was able to offer detailed guidance on the battery specifications needed to meet La Méridionale’s zero-emission in-port target,” says Joonatan Haukilehto, Head of New Technologies, Foreship. “These vessels combine state-of-the-art dual fuel engines with substantial battery capacity, significantly lowering their immediate environmental impact.”

CMA CGM is committed to investing in and implementing the most promising energy efficiency technologies to decarbonize its fleet and achieve its Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“With the help of Foreship and thanks to its expertise in energy performance optimization, the two future ships of La Méridionale will consume 50% less energy compared to the Piana, the reference ship of the fleet, while offering a significantly improved passenger experience,” says Xavier Leclercq, Vice President in charge of CMA Ships.

The project follows other recent Foreship RoPax designs for Finnlines in the Baltic Sea and TT-Line in the Bass Strait, underlining the company’s leadership in next-generation ferry concepts that combine environmental responsibility with commercial performance.