The Durande new generation set sail last March heading for the West African coast. With this 1,900 TEU container ship, Marfret sends a strong signal to the market, consolidating its presence in the chartering segment while continuing its commitment to decarbonized maritime transport.
Smiles, handshakes, eyes turned towards the proud junior Durande, assembled plate by plate, month after month, now standing tall before the hundred or so people gathered on March 19th at the Guangzhou Wenchong shipyard to celebrate the ship’s completion.
Emotion is a universal language that unites the technical teams on both sides — shipyard and shipowner — who come together with joy to celebrate this historic day. Firecrackers, confetti, and the bottle of champagne proudly smashed against the hull by the ship’s godmother, Michèle Li Hua, a transport commissioner in China and long-time partner of the French shipping company. “This vessel is not only a technical achievement or a new addition to our fleet. Its construction is the result of the commitment, expertise, and hard work of many individuals — from engineers to technicians, from workers to partners, not to mention the Marfret teams. Each one brought their skills and passion to make this project possible. Together, we worked towards a common goal: innovation and eco-responsibility,” declared Guillaume Vidil, Managing Director of Marfret, during his speech at the shipyard. Twenty-one years after the first, a brand-new Durande is launched from the same shipyard, writing a new chapter in continuity.
A concentration of innovations serving the environment
A name loaded with symbolism… Just like Victor Hugo’s steamboat in Toilers of the Sea, the new-generation Durande embodies technical progress and industrial modernity. The container ship incorporates breakthrough technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact, achieving a 50% fuel saving at a cruising speed of 16 knots. This progress is made possible by the new hull, bow, and rudder design, improving performance, hydrodynamics, and flow, combined with engine innovations. Another highlight: it is equipped to connect to shore power, five years ahead of the mandatory deadline set by the European Union.
Powered by conventional desulfurized fuel and fitted with an HPSCR for NOx emissions, its propulsion and electrical production systems are designed to be convertible to methanol in the future, prioritizing energy efficiency. Like its predecessor, it proudly flies the French tricolor flag, with Marseille as its home port under the French International Register.
The construction of the Durande is part of the ongoing partnership with the German family-owned shipowner Reederei Nord, from whom Marfret had previously acquired the Marius. This partnership is renewed with a mutualization agreement for a series of four identical container ships built in China. Marfret opted for a novation contract, allowing them to commit as soon as the keel was laid.
“The German shipowner has strong experience and selects quality equipment. We added platforms for monitoring refrigerated container temperatures,” noted Guillaume Vidil. He added: “In addition to operating and developing our shipping lines, we are strengthening our market presence by acquiring vessels we can offer for charter as capacity providers.” Of the Bangkok Max type, the Durande measures 172 meters long and 27.5 meters wide, with a capacity of 1,900 TEUs and 350 reefer plugs, for an investment of €30 million.
Let’s wish her fair winds !