Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has classed the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, the first vessel in CMA CGM’s series of 24,000 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel ultra-large container ships built by Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., marking a key milestone in the development and delivery of next-generation ultra-large container vessels.
The vessel was delivered in May, marking a significant step forward for Chinese shipbuilding in the construction of next-generation ULCS and highlighting the growing collaboration among BV, CMA CGM and Yangzi Xinfu in supporting the maritime industry’s green transition.
As the lead vessel in the series being constructed for CMA CGM at Yangzi Xinfu, CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is among the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly ULCS currently in operation. Measuring 399.9 meters in length and 61.3 meters in width, the vessel has a carrying capacity of 24,092 standard containers. Its LNG duel-fuel system is designed to significantly reduce emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide during operation, supporting the industry's transition toward a lower-carbon future.
The 24,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ship is one of the most technically complex vessel types in global shipbuilding. During the design phase, BV's technical team worked closely with the shipyard and designers, conducting reviews of multiple key design aspects including general arrangement and structural reinforcement. Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore (BVS) led the hull form optimization work, contributing to enhanced cargo capacity and energy efficiency while helping ensure safety. BVS also conducted a dedicated safety risk assessment of the fuel tank arrangement, supporting compliance with the stringent international rules and safety standards.
During construction and commissioning, BV's site surveyors provided inspection of critical processes including large thin-plate welding and the installation and alignment of the extra-long shafting system. In addition, the team conducted installation inspections and functional testing of the vessel's LNG fuel storage, handling, and fuel gas supply system (FGSS) in strict accordance with BV Rules, helping ensure the safety and reliability of its core propulsion system.
CMA CGM is a key strategic partner for BV in the global maritime sector, with close collaboration on green fleet development. To date, more than 200 vessels in the CMA CGM fleet are classed by BV, with over 50 more vessels currently under construction with BV class, including a significant number of green vessels such as LNG dual-fuel and methanol-powered ships.
Yangzi Xinfu is also an important partner for BV in China. In recent years, the collaboration has expanded from traditional bulk carriers and container ships to advanced vessel segments including very large ethane carriers (VLECs) and large LNG carriers. Currently, several high-tech newbuilding projects at Yangzi Xinfu are under construction under BV classification.
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