CMA CGM’s newest LNG-powered container vessel, CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, made its maiden call at the Port of Hamburg, marking the arrival of what the company describes as the world’s largest containership sailing under a European flag.
The vessel was welcomed at the EUROGATE Terminal in Hamburg by representatives from CMA CGM Germany, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and EUROGATE Group. During the ceremony, the traditional commemorative plaque was presented to the vessel’s Master, Captain Marie-Caroline Guillou, to mark the ship’s inaugural visit.
Mirja Nibbe, Managing Director of CMA CGM Germany Cluster and Supervisory Board Member of Dakosy AG, said the maiden call represented more than the arrival of a new mega container ship, highlighting Europe’s commitment to innovation and sustainable shipping.
With a carrying capacity of 24,212 TEU, CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is the first in a series of ten new LNG-powered ultra-large container vessels being introduced by the French shipping group. The ships have been designed to improve fuel efficiency and support the company’s decarbonisation strategy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional fuel-powered vessels.
The vessel will be deployed on the strategic Asia-Europe trade route, connecting major ports across Asia and Europe, including Hamburg, and is expected to strengthen cargo connectivity on one of the world’s busiest container shipping corridors.
During the maiden call, guests were given a tour of the vessel, with CMA CGM acknowledging the hospitality of Captain Marie-Caroline Guillou and her crew, as well as the support of the Hamburg Port Authority and EUROGATE in hosting the inaugural event.
The introduction of CMA CGM NOTRE DAME underscores the shipping line’s continued investment in next-generation, lower-emission vessels as the global container industry accelerates its transition toward more sustainable maritime transport.