CMA CGM Launches World's Largest LNG-Powered Container Ship

French shipping company CMA CGM has inaugurated the CMA CGM Notre Dame, the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container ship and the first vessel in a new fleet that will serve the company's flagship Asia-Europe trade route, Doloresz Katanich reported for Euronews.

he CMA CGM Notre Dame, the world's largest LNG-powered container ship, prepares for its maiden voyage between Europe and Asia. (Photo: CMA CGM GROUP (Official) Facebook)

Measuring nearly 400 meters in length—roughly the equivalent of four football pitches—the vessel is more than 62 meters wide and can carry up to 24,000 shipping containers, making it the world's largest container ship powered by LNG.

After its inaugural stop in Le Havre, the vessel is scheduled to depart for Asia, calling at Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Tanger Med, Port Klang, Singapore, Yantian, Shanghai and Ningbo before returning to Europe, completing the round trip in just over 100 days.

The ship will transport chemicals, food products, wine, spirits, pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery and luxury goods to Asia. On the return voyage, it will carry electronics, clothing, household appliances and other consumer products to Europe.

Depending on its cargo, the value of goods aboard the vessel can range between €2.5 billion and €3 billion.