The LNG-powered mega containership CMA CGM NOTRE DAME has made her maiden call at Yantian Port, China, marking another milestone in CMA CGM’s fleet modernisation and decarbonisation strategy.
On 26 May, the 24,212 TEU vessel — currently the world’s largest French-flagged containership in service — arrived at Yantian after departing Shanghai. The ship is the first in a series of ten LNG-powered 24,212 TEU containerships to sail under the French flag.
Now deployed on CMA CGM’s flagship French Asia Line (FAL), the vessel connects major Asian ports with Northern Europe, strengthening trade links between Asia and Europe while supporting the development of lower-carbon shipping corridors between China and France.
The maiden Yantian call highlights South China’s growing strategic importance as a gateway for Asia-Europe container trade and reflects the increasing industry focus on sustainable shipping operations.
Designed with advanced environmental and digital technologies, CMA CGM NOTRE DAME features LNG propulsion supported by an 18,600 cbm LNG fuel tank, aerodynamic energy-saving systems, smart energy management technologies, a fully digital bridge, AI-assisted route optimisation and 360-degree visualisation systems.
The vessel is also equipped with up to 1,600 reefer plugs, significantly enhancing CMA CGM’s ability to transport temperature-sensitive and high-value cargo on the Asia-Europe trade lane.
CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is scheduled to be officially named in Le Havre on 2 July.
From Shanghai and Yantian to Europe, the vessel represents not only a new generation of ultra-large containerships, but also CMA CGM’s broader commitment to fleet renewal, digitalisation and maritime decarbonisation.
