CMA CGM to Register Ten 24,000 TEU LNG Megaships Under French Flag

By Admin

06 Nov, 2025

A Bold Step Toward Maritime Sovereignty
French shipping giant CMA CGM has announced plans to register ten new 24,000 TEU dual-fuel LNG containerships under the French flag, reaffirming its dedication to France’s maritime heritage and industrial strength. The decision, revealed by Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé on 4 November 2025 at the 20th Assises de l’Économie de la Mer, reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen France’s maritime sovereignty and bolster its global competitiveness in shipping.

Deliveries and Deployment
These state-of-the-art vessels, each with a capacity of 24,212 TEUs, will begin delivery in 2026 and serve the Asia–Northern Europe route, featuring regular calls at Le Havre and Dunkirk. The deployment of these megaships will create 135 new jobs for French seafarers, all of whom will be trained at the French National Maritime Academy (ENSM), further promoting the country’s expertise in maritime education and ship operation.

Sustainability and Innovation at Sea
CMA CGM’s new fleet represents a major leap forward in sustainable shipping. Each vessel is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and designed to be compatible with biomethane and e-methane, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 85% compared to traditional fuels. These ships also comply with the high safety and labor standards of the French International Register (RIF), ensuring world-class environmental performance and operational excellence.

Collaboration and Construction
The construction of these ships involves several key French and European partners, underlining CMA CGM’s commitment to domestic and regional collaboration. Companies such as GTT are contributing LNG tank technology, while Bureau Veritas oversees certification, guaranteeing compliance with the most stringent maritime standards.

Honoring French Heritage
Each megaship will carry the name of a renowned French landmark, including CMA CGM Notre Dame, Panthéon, Orsay, Luxembourg, Pont Neuf, Versailles, Austerlitz, Nation, Cluny, and Longchamp. This symbolic gesture pays tribute to France’s rich cultural legacy and reinforces the company’s identity as a proud ambassador of French excellence in the maritime world.

A Vision for the Future
Rodolphe Saadé emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating, “Powered by liquefied natural gas, they reflect our confidence in France’s maritime sector and its people. These vessels will reinforce our presence in France at a time when the sea plays an increasingly strategic role in global economic and geopolitical dynamics.”

By investing in these next-generation vessels, CMA CGM is not only contributing to the greening of global shipping but also strengthening France’s position as a key player in world trade. The move enhances industrial resilience, supports domestic employment, and ensures that France remains a central hub in the evolving landscape of international logistics.