CMA CGM Deploys Largest French-Flagged LNG Container Ship on Asia–Europe Trade Lane

Source: Container News

CMA CGM has officially launched the LNG-powered container ship CMA CGM NOTRE DAME on its maiden commercial voyage along the Asia–Europe route.

The vessel made its first port call at Yangshan Port in Shanghai on May 22.

CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is the first vessel in a series of 10 LNG-fueled container ships with a capacity of 24,212 TEU that will operate under the French flag.

Expanding Scale While Optimizing Operational Efficiency

The vessel measures 400 meters in length and 62 meters in width, placing it among the largest container ships currently operating worldwide.

According to CMA CGM, the vessel will operate on the French Asia Line (FAL) service connecting Asia and Northern Europe. The service rotation includes Ningbo, Shanghai, Yantian, Singapore, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Tanger Med.

The carrier stated that CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is equipped with an LNG-powered propulsion system integrated with artificial intelligence technologies and advanced digital navigation systems.

In addition, the vessel features smart energy management systems and voyage optimization technologies aimed at improving operational efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Increased Cargo Capacity Without Changing Vessel Dimensions

CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is capable of carrying up to 1,600 reefer containers and is equipped with an 18,600 m³ LNG fuel tank.

Notably, CMA CGM stated that the vessel’s new design increases cargo capacity by approximately 580 additional containers without altering the ship’s overall dimensions.

“CMA CGM NOTRE DAME embodies a new generation of LNG-powered container ships combining scale, operational performance and energy efficiency,” CMA CGM stated.

The vessel is currently operated by a crew of approximately 25 seafarers under the command of Captain Nicolas Le Scornet.

According to the company’s delivery schedule, CMA CGM plans to take delivery of the remaining nine vessels in the series between 2026 and 2028.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Container News)

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