CMA CGM receives the largest container ship under the French flag

The CMA CGM Group received the CMA CGM Notre Dame, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the largest container ship in service under the French flag. The vessel made its maiden voyage in Shanghai, China, before setting sail for France and Europe in early July.

With a length of 400 meters, a beam of 62 meters, and a height of 75 meters, the vessel is designed to transport up to 24,212 TEU.

It will operate on the Asia Line (FAL) service, a strategic route connecting Asia with Europe that has an approximate frequency of 102 days. It connects to destinations such as Ningbo, Shanghai, Yantian, Singapore, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Tangier Med.

In addition to its LNG propulsion, the CMA CGM Notre Dame incorporates equipment designed to reduce its environmental impact at each stage of operation, including a windshield system that reduces energy consumption and an 18,600 m3 LNG tank, which ensures its autonomy on Asia-Europe routes.

The vessel also features smart solutions for managing energy consumption, especially for the power supply and ventilation of refrigerated containers, with a capacity for 1,600 connections. It incorporates a range of cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence solutions to optimize its operational performance.

The container ship's bridge is fully digital and provides crews with real-time navigation tools, enhanced with augmented reality features. Advanced trajectory prediction and 360° visualization systems improve safety during maneuvers, especially during port operations.

Onboard artificial intelligence helps optimize routes, adjust speed, and control the vessel's energy consumption. All these systems rely on CMA CGM's Fleet Centers, located in Marseille, Miami, and Singapore, which provide continuous monitoring of the global fleet and support crews in their operational decisions.

The CMA CGM Notre Dame is the first in a series of 10 vessels that will be named after emblematic places of French heritage. They will be delivered between 2026 and 2028 and will be gradually deployed on major global shipping routes.

The official delivery ceremony of the CMA CGM Notre Dame will be held in Le Havre on July 2, marking the vessel's arrival in France.