CMA CGM’s Largest French-Flagged LNG Containership Makes Maiden Call in Singapore

CMA CGM NOTRE DAME begins Asia-Europe service as part of carrier’s low-emission fleet expansion

CMA CGM Group has marked the maiden Singapore call of the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, a new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container vessel that is currently the largest containership operating under the French flag.

The vessel began its maiden commercial voyage from Shanghai and arrived in Singapore before continuing toward Europe on CMA CGM’s French Asia Line (FAL) service.

The deployment forms part of CMA CGM’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme and broader strategy to reduce shipping emissions while expanding transport capacity on major global trade routes.

LNG-powered vessel deployed on Asia-Europe trade corridor

The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME measures 400 metres in length, 62 metres in width and has a carrying capacity of 24,212 TEU.

The vessel operates on the French Asia Line, connecting major Asian ports with Europe through a rotation that includes:

• Ningbo
• Shanghai
• Yantian
• Singapore
• Le Havre
• Rotterdam
• Hamburg
• Tangier Med

The service cycle spans approximately 102 days and serves one of the world’s busiest container shipping corridors.

LNG propulsion supports emissions reduction strategy

CMA CGM said the vessel is part of a new generation of LNG-powered containerships developed to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions intensity.

The ship includes an 18,600 cubic metre LNG fuel tank designed to support long-haul Asia-Europe operations.

Additional energy-efficiency features include:

• Aerodynamic windshield systems to reduce fuel consumption
• Smart energy-management systems
• Optimised refrigerated container power management
• Increased cargo capacity without enlarging vessel dimensions

The company said the vessel can accommodate up to 1,600 refrigerated containers.

LNG is currently one of the most widely adopted alternative marine fuels in container shipping, although industry debate continues regarding methane slip and long-term decarbonisation pathways.

Digital navigation and AI-assisted operations onboard

The vessel incorporates digital navigation systems and artificial intelligence-based operational tools intended to improve efficiency and safety.

According to CMA CGM, the fully digitalised bridge includes:

• Real-time navigation systems
• Augmented reality-assisted operations
• Trajectory prediction systems
• 360-degree visibility tools

The company added that onboard AI systems support route optimisation, speed adjustment and energy consumption management.

Fleet operations are also supported by CMA CGM monitoring centres in Marseille, Miami and Singapore.

French registry and crew expansion

The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is registered under the French International Register (RIF), with CMA CGM confirming that all vessels in the series will operate under the French flag.

The programme includes the recruitment of 135 French seafarers to operate the ten-vessel series.

The vessel is operated by a crew of approximately 30 seafarers under the command of Captain Nicolas Le Scornet.

Series of ten LNG-powered vessels planned

The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is the first in a planned series of ten LNG-powered vessels named after French cultural and historical landmarks.

The vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2028 and will gradually enter service on major international shipping routes.

An official inauguration ceremony for the vessel is scheduled to take place in Le Havre on 2 July.

Singapore remains central to CMA CGM’s decarbonisation strategy

CMA CGM highlighted Singapore’s role as a major hub for its maritime, logistics and energy transition activities in Asia.

The company said it continues to work with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), fuel suppliers and technology partners on alternative fuels, shipping decarbonisation and digital innovation initiatives.

Singapore also supports CMA CGM’s regional operations through brands including:

• CMA CGM
• ANL
• CNC
• APL
• CEVA Logistics

The company additionally operates ZEBOX Asia Pacific in Singapore to support maritime and logistics innovation projects.