en.Wedoany.com Reported - CMA CGM Group held a naming ceremony in Le Havre for the "CMA CGM NOTRE DAME," which was officially unveiled. This vessel is the largest container ship flying the French flag and also the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container ship.

This ship is the first of ten next-generation 24,000 TEU container vessels, all of which will be registered under the French flag. CMA CGM stated that this plan will increase its French-flagged fleet from 30 to 40 ships by 2028 and recruit 135 French seafarers over the next two years.

The "CMA CGM NOTRE DAME" measures 399 meters in length and 61.3 meters in width, with a maximum capacity of 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The vessel will be deployed on CMA CGM's French Asia Line, operating between Asia and Europe. This route is one of the busiest container shipping lanes in the world.

Powered by LNG, the ship reduces emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter, and carbon dioxide compared to using traditional marine fuel. CMA CGM stated that this is part of its strategy to support the energy transition in the shipping industry while aiming to maintain strong operational performance on major Asia-Europe trade routes.

This fleet expansion aims to strengthen the French merchant fleet, support the country's merchant marine officer training system, and promote the French flag on international routes. Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, stated that the ship demonstrates the company's focus on cleaner shipping and digital technology. The vessel is equipped with one of the company's most advanced LNG propulsion systems, supporting the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It also features an artificial intelligence-based system that optimizes routes in real time to improve energy efficiency and environmental performance.

Named "NOTRE DAME," the ship pays tribute to one of France's most famous landmarks. CMA CGM stated that the vessel will carry this name on global routes as a symbol of French industrial, maritime, and cultural excellence. Delphine Arnault, Chairman and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, served as the ship's godmother.

The naming ceremony was held in Le Havre, attended by national and local officials, including Le Havre Mayor Édouard Philippe, as well as representatives from maritime authorities, elected officials, economic partners, and the ship's operating crew.