The French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM Group has revealed that ten yet-to-be-delivered 24,212 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel vessels will be added to the French flag

At least 135 French seafarers, trained at the ENSM, will be recruited by CMA CGM thanks to these ships

The ten newbuilds, which are said to be "among the largest and most energy-efficient in the world", have entered the fleet and been registered under the French flag. This announcement was made by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group. “Starting next year, CMA CGM will register ten new 24,000 TEU vessels, which are among the largest in the world, under the French flag. Powered by liquefied natural gas, these vessels demonstrate our confidence in France’s maritime sector and its workforce. We are recruiting 135 French seafarers and strengthening our partnership with the French Maritime Academy (ENSM),” Saadé highlighted.

These two major French ports will service the Asia-Northern Europe route.

"The Asia-Northern Europe route will be serviced by these two major French ports, Le Havre and Dunkirk, which will reinforce our presence in France at a time when the sea plays an increasingly strategic role in global economic and geopolitical dynamics."The decision is said to demonstrate the group’s commitment to enhancing France’s maritime competitiveness. These new vessels will be subject to French safety and working condition regulations, thus upholding the excellence and influence of the French flag.

LNG dual-fuel ships

LNG dual-fuel ships can use biomethane and e-methane, two fuels that produce little pollution. They can cut CO2 emissions by 67% and 85%, respectively, and also reduce other air pollutants, such as sulfur oxides, fine particles, and nitrogen oxides. Their large capacity improves carbon intensity.

 Each ship will be named after an iconic French monument or landmark

The transportation of French expertise and merchandise around the globe will be facilitated by box ships, thereby consolidating France's global trade network. Each ship will be named after 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. The construction of these vessels, from their design stage onwards, has mobilised a network of European and French suppliers, including GTT for the LNG tanks and Bureau Veritas for certification.

Related: CMA CGM has completed the first bioethanol bunkering in Brazil.

 Registering with the French International Register

The group emphasised that registering with the French International Register is not just a formality. It establishes genuine operational, human and economic ties. At least 135 French seafarers, trained at the ENSM, will be recruited by CMA CGM thanks to these ships, while the attractiveness of the blue economy sector will be strengthened by CMA CGM's contribution, with economic benefits and indirect employment being generated.

The ten new vessels will be delivered gradually from 2026 

The ten new vessels will be delivered gradually from 2026 onwards and deployed on the group’s flagship route, the French Asia Line (FAL 1), connecting Northern Europe to Asia with regular calls at Le Havre and Dunkirk. The latest container vessel to be delivered by CMA CGM is powered by LNG. According to a social media post, the formal entry of the CMA CGM Syracuse into the Marseille-based maritime transport company’s fleet was celebrated in South Korea on 16 October. The ceremony reportedly took place at an HD Hyundai Samho yard.

Related: CMA CGM aims to have overtaken Maersk to claim second place by the end of 2027

#Rodolphe Saadé # HD Hyundai Samho yard #CMA CGM #ENSM # ten new vessels #French flag.# Bureau Veritas # France's global trade #Asia-Northern Europe route #French ports