The CMA CGM Group has announced the delivery of the CMA CGM Notre Dame, a state-of-the-art, LNG-powered vessel that now stands as the largest container ship sailing under the French flag. This significant addition to the fleet embarks on its inaugural commercial voyage from Shanghai, China, with expected arrivals in France and Europe by early July. The delivery underscores CMA CGM’s ongoing fleet modernization and its steadfast dedication to advancing the energy transition within the maritime transport sector, while simultaneously bolstering its capabilities to support the expansion of global trade.
Besides being the world’s largest LNG-powered container ship, the CMA CGM Notre Dame is an impressive vessel, measuring 400 meters in length, 62 meters in width, and standing 75 meters high, with a substantial container capacity of 24,212 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). This new flagship vessel is deployed on the strategic French Asia Line (FAL), a critical service connecting Asia and Europe. The FAL route comprises a rotation of approximately 102 days, making port calls at major hubs including Ningbo, Shanghai, Yantian, Singapore, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Tangier Med. This route is vital for the global supply chain, playing a pivotal role in provisioning European economies with essential goods.
Beyond its cutting-edge LNG propulsion system, the world’s largest LNG-powered container ship incorporates a suite of technologies designed to minimize its environmental impact. The vessel is equipped with an aerodynamic windshield system aimed at reducing energy consumption. A substantial 18,600 m³ LNG tank provides the necessary autonomy for its extensive Asia-Europe routes. Intelligent energy management solutions are integrated throughout the ship, particularly for powering and ventilating refrigerated containers, boasting a capacity for 1,600 reefer plugs. Furthermore, its architectural design has been optimized to enhance carrying capacity by an additional 280 containers without increasing the vessel’s overall dimensions, showcasing efficient space utilization.
The operational prowess of the CMA CGM Notre Dame is further amplified by its integration of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Its fully digitalized bridge offers crews real-time navigation tools, augmented by sophisticated augmented reality systems. Advanced trajectory prediction capabilities and 360-degree visualization enhance maneuvering safety, especially during complex port operations. Embedded AI assists in optimizing voyage routes, dynamically adjusting vessel speed, and meticulously controlling energy consumption. These intelligent systems are continuously monitored and supported by CMA CGM’s global Fleet Centers located in Marseille, Miami, and Singapore, ensuring optimal fleet performance and aiding crews in critical operational decision-making.
CMA CGM Notre Dame, the world’s largest LNG-powered container ship, inaugurates a series of 10 ships, each named after emblematic French heritage landmarks, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2028. These vessels will be progressively deployed across the world’s major maritime trade routes, continuing CMA CGM’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in global shipping.
