The LNG-powered container vessel CMA CGM Notre Dame, the largest container ship registered under the French flag, has completed its first transit through the Suez Canal and is now en route to the Port of Algeciras.
According to vessel tracking data, the ship is expected to arrive at Algeciras on June 24 as part of its maiden voyage from Asia to Europe. Operated by CMA CGM, the vessel is deployed on the company’s FAL3 service, which links major ports in the Far East with Northwestern Europe.
The transit marked a significant milestone for the vessel, which is undertaking its inaugural commercial voyage between Singapore and France. To facilitate the passage of the ultra-large container ship, the Suez Canal Authority implemented enhanced navigational arrangements, including the deployment of specialized pilots and support tugboats to ensure safe transit through the strategic waterway.
With an overall length of 400 metres, a beam of 61.3 metres and a container carrying capacity of 24,212 TEU, CMA CGM Notre Dame ranks among the world’s largest container ships. The vessel is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), reflecting the industry’s growing adoption of lower-emission marine fuels as shipping lines pursue decarbonisation goals.
The successful transit highlights the continued capability of the Suez Canal to accommodate the latest generation of ultra-large container vessels, reinforcing its role as a critical gateway for global trade between Asia and Europe.