Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 5, CMA CGM Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé announced that the company will add 10 LNG dual-fuel vessels to its fleet and register them under the French International Register (RIF). Each ship, with a capacity of 24,212 TEUs, is among the world’s largest and most energy-efficient containerships, reinforcing France’s maritime presence and logistical independence.

Saadé stated: “From next year, CMA CGM will register ten new 24,000 TEU vessels under the French flag. Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), they will operate on the Asia–Northern Europe route, calling at Le Havre and Dunkirk, and will be crewed by 135 French seafarers, trained in collaboration with the French Maritime Academy (ENSM).”

The initiative highlights CMA CGM’s commitment to strengthening France’s maritime competitiveness and its national flag’s role in supporting investment, technological innovation, and high standards in safety and working conditions. The addition of these vessels also demonstrates the company’s effort to promote sustainability and efficiency in global shipping operations.

Designed for biomethane and e-methane compatibility, the new ships are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 67–85%, while significantly cutting sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and fine particles, aligning with the company’s environmental strategy to achieve cleaner maritime transport.

Each vessel carries a name inspired by notable French and European landmarks, including 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. The naming theme reflects the company’s recognition of French cultural heritage and its contribution to the nation’s maritime identity.

The construction of these ships involves a network of French and European suppliers, including GTT, which provides LNG tank technology, and Bureau Veritas, which oversees certification. Beyond fleet expansion, the project will create 135 maritime jobs in France, further supporting the local maritime sector’s attractiveness and growth.

The new vessels are scheduled for delivery starting in 2026 and will operate on the French Asia Line (FAL 1), linking Northern Europe and Asia. Sailing under the French flag ensures adherence to national and European regulations, as well as compliance with social, environmental, and safety standards under regular maritime administration supervision.

In addition to the fleet expansion, CMA CGM recently confirmed an upsize of its Atlantic Feeder service, effective from week 45, reinforcing its network capacity and improving service efficiency across key trade routes.

With these developments, CMA CGM continues to advance its global fleet modernization strategy, combining innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence to strengthen its position in international shipping.