The global shipping giants have simultaneously introduced cutting-edge container vessels equipped with digital technologies and energy-efficient solutions, supporting the maritime sector’s aggressive emissions-reduction targets.
In a major step toward maritime sustainability, CMA CGM, OOCL, and ONE have simultaneously deployed a new generation of container ships. These vessels feature state-of-the-art digital integrations and energy-saving designs, marking significant milestones in each carrier’s fleet modernization program.
CMA CGM Launches the Largest French-Flagged LNG Vessel
On July 2 in Le Havre, CMA CGM officially held the naming ceremony for its new French-flagged vessel, the CMA CGM Notre Dame, following its maiden voyage from Asia. According to the liner, this vessel is currently the industry’s largest container ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
As the first of a 10-vessel series, the CMA CGM Notre Dame spans 399 meters in length with a nominal capacity of 24,212 TEUs. The ultra-large vessel is equipped with real-time voyage optimization, digital navigation systems, energy-efficiency technologies, environmental performance enhancers, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
According to CMA CGM, the deployment of this new fleet aligns with its broader strategic investments in France. The company plans to recruit 135 French seafarers over the next two years to crew the new fleet. By 2028, CMA CGM’s French-flagged fleet is projected to expand from 30 to 40 vessels.
Currently, CMA CGM operates a massive fleet of over 700 vessels, having moved more than 24 million TEUs in the previous year.
Following its port call at Le Havre until July 4, the CMA CGM Notre Dame will be deployed on the Far East loop under a 102-day rotation, linking China, Singapore, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Tangier Med.
OOCL Green-Methanol Bunkers Ahead of Maiden Voyage
Meanwhile, at the Port of Qingdao, the OOCL Wisdom completed its green methanol bunkering on July 3 ahead of its initial voyage. OOCL confirmed that the vessel is currently the largest methanol dual-fuel container ship in operation.
Boasting a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 225,000 tons and a capacity of 21,168 TEUs, the OOCL Wisdom is the pioneer ship in a seven-vessel order. The series is slated to expand and reinforce OOCL’s operational capacity on the Asia-Northern Europe trade lane. The vessel took on 1,500 tons of green methanol and loaded 3,000 TEUs of cargo before setting sail.
ONE Rolls Out the New S-Series Fleet
Following the delivery of the ONE Simplicity in late March, Ocean Network Express (ONE) has continued rolling out its mid-sized S-Series container fleet. Its sister ship, the ONE Solidarity, has been delivered and has commenced its maiden voyage on the Mediterranean-Pacific South route.
Built at Imabari Shipbuilding in Japan, the vessels feature a deadweight capacity of 160,200 DWT and a length of 336 meters. Strategically designed for the future, these ships are built “ready” for conversion to methanol or ammonia fuels and are pre-engineered to accommodate carbon capture systems (CCS).
According to the shipbuilder, the hull form has been heavily optimized to maximize efficiency at standard operational speeds and drafts. Additionally, the vessel is outfitted with energy-saving ducts, a twisted rudder, a friction-reducing hull coating, and a bow windshield to lower aerodynamic drag.
The S-Series vessels are also equipped with a Hybrid Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), and a Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS).
