France launches largest LNG cargo ship

May 27, 2026

France’s leading shipping company has introduced the world’s biggest LNG-powered container vessel, capable of transporting an impressive 24,212 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in a single journey.

Developed by Marseille-based CMA CGM Group, the massive ship, named CMA CGM Notre Dame, is now the largest cargo vessel sailing under the French flag. The ship measures 1,312 feet (400 meters) in length, 203 feet (62 meters) in width, and rises 246 feet (75 meters) high.

The company confirmed that the vessel has already embarked on its first commercial voyage from Shanghai. It is expected to reach Europe in early July before its official inauguration ceremony in Le Havre on July 2.

According to CMA CGM, the new vessel represents another step in modernizing its global fleet while supporting the maritime industry’s transition toward cleaner energy solutions. The company also emphasized that the ship strengthens its ability to handle the increasing demands of international trade.

France’s largest LNG-powered cargo ship

The CMA CGM Notre Dame operates using liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner-burning marine fuel known for being odorless, colorless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive. Compared to traditional bunker fuels, LNG significantly lowers sulfur oxide emissions and reduces particulate pollution.

The ship is equipped with an 18,600-cubic-meter LNG fuel tank, enabling long-haul operations between Asia and Europe. It is also the first vessel in a planned fleet of 10 LNG-powered ships scheduled to join the company’s French fleet between 2026 and 2028. These vessels are part of CMA CGM’s broader strategy to achieve Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050.

Engineers also optimized the vessel’s design to accommodate an additional 280 containers without expanding the ship’s overall dimensions. To support temperature-sensitive cargo, the vessel features 1,600 reefer plugs along with advanced energy-management systems that efficiently power and ventilate refrigerated containers.

In addition, the ship incorporates multiple fuel-saving technologies, including an aerodynamic windshield system that minimizes drag and improves fuel efficiency. The vessel also integrates sophisticated digital systems designed to enhance operational performance and maritime safety.

Advanced smart ship technology

The bridge of the CMA CGM Notre Dame is fully digitalized and equipped with real-time navigation tools, augmented reality systems, and 360-degree visualization technology. These features help crews maneuver safely, especially in heavily congested ports.

The ship further relies on advanced trajectory prediction systems to improve navigation accuracy. Artificial intelligence also plays a major role onboard, helping optimize sailing routes, regulate speed, and manage overall energy consumption.

CMA CGM noted that these intelligent systems are supported by Fleet Centers located in Marseille, Miami, and Singapore, where specialists continuously monitor the company’s global fleet and assist crews with operational decisions.

Currently, the vessel operates on CMA CGM’s French Asia Line (FAL), connecting major ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Singapore, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Tangier Med. The complete shipping rotation takes approximately 102 days.

The CMA CGM Notre Dame is officially registered under the French International Register (RIF), a move announced in November 2025 by Rodolphe Saadé.

Although the vessel utilizes extensive automation and AI-powered systems, it still depends on a crew of around 30 seafarers led by Captain Nicolas Le Scornet. The company stated that the ship provides modern living accommodations, reliable high-speed connectivity, and dedicated comfort facilities tailored for long-term life at sea.