CMA CGM has marked the maiden call of the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME in Singapore, a new generation liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel and the largest containership currently operating under the French flag. Following the start of its maiden commercial voyage in Shanghai, China, the vessel is calling Singapore before continuing its journey to France and Europe in early July, where it joins the French Asia Line (FAL) linking Asia and Northern Europe.
The 400 m long, 62 m wide, and 75 m high containership is designed to carry up to 24,212 TEU and operates on a rotation of approximately 102 days. It is the first in a series of 10 identical LNG-powered vessels registered under the French International Register (RIF) to be delivered between 2026 and 2028. This strategic initiative involves the recruitment of 135 French seafarers trained to operate the fleet, with an official inauguration ceremony scheduled to take place in Le Havre on July 2.
To support decarbonization and performance, the vessel incorporates an aerodynamic windshield system, an 18,600 m³ LNG tank for route autonomy, and an optimized architecture that adds 280 containers of capacity without increasing its physical dimensions. Furthermore, the ship integrates a fully digitalized bridge featuring artificial intelligence and augmented reality tools for route optimization and maneuver safety. These technologies operate in coordination with CMA CGM’s Fleet Centers located in Marseille, Miami, and Singapore.