The CMA CGM Group marks the maiden call of the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME in Singapore, a new generation liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel and the largest containership currently operating under the French flag. Following the start of its maiden commercial voyage in Shanghai, China, the vessel is now calling Singapore before continuing its journey to France and Europe in early July.
With this vessel, CMA CGM continues the modernization of its fleet and reaffirms its commitment to the energy transition of maritime transport, while strengthening its capacity to support the growth of global trade.
With 400 meters long, 62 meters wide, and 75 meters high, the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is designed to carry up to 24,212 containers (TEU).
Deployed on the French Asia Line (FAL), the Group’s strategic service connecting Asia and Europe, the vessel operates on a rotation of approximately 102 days, calling at ports including Ningbo, Shanghai, Yantian, Singapore, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Tangier Med. This route is one of the world’s main trade corridors and plays a key role in supplying European economies.
A Strategic Choice for CMA CGM
The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is registered under the French International Register (RIF), as will be the entire series. This strategic decision, announced in November 2025 by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, is accompanied by the recruitment of 135 French seafarers trained to operate these ten vessels.
A New Generation of More Efficient and Lower-Emission Vessels
The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME embodies a new generation of LNG-powered container ships combining scale, performance and energy efficiency, fully aligned with the Group’s ambition to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
Beyond its LNG propulsion system, the vessel incorporates equipment designed to reduce its environmental footprint throughout operations, including an aerodynamic windshield system that lowers energy consumption and an 18,600 m³ LNG tank ensuring autonomy on Asia-Europe routes. It also features smart energy-management solutions, particularly for powering and ventilating refrigerated containers, with a capacity of 1,600 reefer plugs.
Its architecture has also been optimized to increase carrying capacity by 280 containers without increasing the vessel’s dimensions.
A Fully Digitalized Bridge and Next-Generation Navigation Tools
The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME integrates a range of cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence solutions to enhance operational performance. Its fully digitalized bridge provides crews with real-time navigation tools enhanced by augmented reality systems. Advanced trajectory prediction systems and 360-degree visualization capabilities further improve maneuvering safety, particularly during port operations.
Embedded artificial intelligence helps optimize routes, adjust speed and control the vessel’s energy consumption. These systems are supported by CMA CGM’s Fleet Centers located in Marseille, Miami and Singapore, which continuously monitor the global fleet and support crews in operational decision-making.
A Highly Qualified Crew at the Heart of Operations
The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is operated by a crew of around 30 highly specialized seafarers under the command of Captain Nicolas Le Scornet.
Designed for long-haul rotations, the vessel offers living conditions adapted to life at sea, including modern personal spaces, high-performance permanent connectivity and facilities dedicated to crew comfort. Each seafarer directly contributes to the safety of the vessel, the quality of navigation and operational continuity, in an environment where technical excellence goes hand in hand with strong team spirit.
A Series of 10 Vessels Showcasing French Excellence Worldwide
The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME inaugurates a series of 10 vessels named after emblematic landmarks of French heritage. They will be delivered between 2026 and 2028 and progressively deployed across the world’s major maritime trade routes.
A Public Inauguration Ceremony in Le Havre on July 2
An inauguration ceremony for the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME will take place in Le Havre on July 2, upon the vessel’s arrival in France. An emblematic maritime tradition, the inauguration of a ship officially marks its entry into service and symbolizes protection, transmission and attachment to the maritime world. The event will provide an opportunity for the public to celebrate the arrival of the largest containership operating under the French flag.
Singapore, a Strategic Hub for CMA CGM’s Maritime, Logistics and Decarbonization Activities in Asia
Present in Singapore for more than 35 years, the CMA CGM Group has established the city-state as one of its key strategic hubs in Asia, reflecting the Group’s long-term commitment to the region through a strong presence across shipping, logistics, innovation and maritime decarbonization initiatives. Leveraging Singapore’s position as one of the world’s leading maritime and transshipment hubs, the Group operates an extensive network of long-haul and intra-Asia services connecting Asia with Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania and the Americas, supported by major regional activities through CMA CGM, ANL, CNC, APL and CEVA Logistics.
From a maritime perspective, Singapore plays a central role in the deployment of the Group’s next-generation dual-fuel fleet and low-carbon shipping solutions. CMA CGM continues to strengthen its partnerships with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), energy providers and regional stakeholders to accelerate the development of sustainable shipping, alternative fuels and digital innovation. In recent years, the Group and MPA have expanded their cooperation on maritime decarbonization and innovation initiatives, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a leading global hub for the energy transition of the shipping industry.
In parallel, CMA CGM is also contributing to Singapore’s innovation ecosystem through ZEBOX Asia Pacific, which supports startups and collaborative projects focused on more sustainable, smarter and more resilient maritime transport and logistics solutions.
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