French shipping giant CMA CGM announced plans to register 10 undelivered 24,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels under the French flag. These vessels rank among the “world’s largest and most energy-efficient” container vessels.
The announcement was made by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, at the 20th French Maritime Economy Conference. This move positions CMA CGM at the forefront of both France’s maritime sovereignty strategy and the global shipping industry’s energy transition.
CMA CGM ordered these 10 newly built container ships from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in 2023, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026. They will then be deployed on CMA CGM’s Asia-Europe route (FAL1). This route, a core service for CMA CGM, connects Northern Europe and Asia and regularly calls at the ports of Le Havre and Dunkirk.
CMA CGM stated that the 10 new vessel, with a total container capacity of 24,212 TEU, will be named after iconic French buildings or landmarks, namely “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”.
This series of container vessels utilizes LNG propulsion and is compatible with two low-carbon alternative fuels: biomethane and e-methane. These fuels can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 67% and 85% respectively, while significantly cutting atmospheric pollutants including sulfur oxides, fine particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides. Their substantial cargo capacity also contributes to improved carbon intensity.
CMA CGM emphasizes that flying the French flag on ten newly built 24,000 TEU container vessels is far more than a mere administrative procedure—it will forge genuine operational, human, and economic ties. Upon deployment, CMA CGM will recruit at least 135 French seafarers trained at the French National Maritime Academy (ENSM). This initiative will enhance the company’s appeal within the blue economy sector while generating economic benefits and creating indirect employment opportunities.
However, it is worth noting that compared to flying foreign flags, flying the French flag on these 10 new vessels will incur additional annual costs of €15 million to €17 million for CMA CGM, primarily due to the need to recruit 135 French seafarers.