CMA CGM Registers Ten New 24,212 TEU LNG Dual-Fuel Vessels Under French Flag
Ten yet-to-be-delivered 24,212 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel vessels will soon join the French flag, French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM Group revealed.
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, announced that the ten newbuilds—described as among the largest and most energy-efficient in the world—will be registered under the French flag and integrated into the company’s fleet next year.
“CMA CGM has decided to register ten new 24,000 TEU vessels, among the largest in the world, under the French flag starting next year. Powered by liquefied natural gas, they reflect our confidence in France’s maritime sector and its people, with the recruitment of 135 French seafarers and a strengthened partnership with the French Maritime Academy (ENSM),” Saadé stated.
“These vessels will serve two major French ports, Le Havre and Dunkirk, on the Asia–Northern Europe route, reinforcing our presence in France at a time when the sea plays an increasingly strategic role in global economic and geopolitical dynamics.”
Strengthening France’s Maritime Competitiveness
The decision underscores CMA CGM’s determination to reinforce France’s maritime competitiveness. Operating under French law, the new vessels will comply with national safety and working condition standards, highlighting the excellence and influence of the French flag.
LNG Dual-Fuel Technology and Environmental Benefits
Each ship features LNG dual-fuel propulsion, compatible with biomethane and e-methane—two low-carbon alternatives that reduce CO₂ emissions by 67% and 85% respectively. These fuels also significantly reduce sulfur oxides, fine particles, and nitrogen oxides.
With their large capacity, the new vessels will help improve carbon intensity and set new standards for sustainable shipping.
French Engineering and Global Reach
Carrying French know-how and goods across global trade routes, each ship will bear the name of an iconic French monument or landmark:
CMA CGM Notre Dame, CMA CGM Panthéon, CMA CGM Orsay, CMA CGM Luxembourg, CMA CGM Pont Neuf, CMA CGM Versailles, CMA CGM Austerlitz, CMA CGM Nation, CMA CGM Cluny, and CMA CGM Longchamp.
From the design stage, their construction has involved a strong network of European and French suppliers, including GTT for LNG tank systems and Bureau Veritas for certification.
Creating Jobs and Strengthening the Blue Economy
CMA CGM emphasized that registration under the French International Register goes beyond administrative formality—it creates operational, human, and economic connections. The initiative will lead to the recruitment of at least 135 French seafarers trained at ENSM and further bolster the attractiveness of France’s blue economy, contributing to economic growth and indirect employment.
Deployment on the French Asia Line
The ten new vessels will be gradually delivered from 2026 onwards and deployed on the group’s flagship route, the French Asia Line (FAL 1). This major route connects Northern Europe to Asia, with regular calls at Le Havre and Dunkirk.
CMA CGM’s Fleet Expansion Continues
In related news, CMA CGM recently took delivery of its newest LNG-powered container vessel, the CMA CGM Syracuse. The ship officially joined the Marseille-based fleet following a ceremony held at HD Hyundai Samho shipyard in South Korea on October 16.
