The new CMA CGM Group's flagship is the largest container ship in the world powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas)

The CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE joined a global leader in shipping and logistics - CMA CGM Group’s fleet, and became the largest LNG-powered container ship in the world.

The new flagship of the Group is the first of nine 23,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) container ships, a homogeneous LNG-powered fleet flying the French flag.

In November of 2017, CMA CGM Group’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Rodolphe Saadé, decided to equip this series of container ships with LNG-powered engines. Today LNG is a pioneering choice to preserve air quality and to drive the energy transition. This allows to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide and fine particle by 99%, as well as to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions by 85%, which going well above and beyond existing regulation. LNG emits 20% less CO2 compared to fuel motorization. This technology is one of the first steps towards achieving the CMA CGM Group's ambitious 2050 objective of carbon neutrality.

Rodolphe Saadé said, “This vessel has been enhanced with the latest technologies and is the result of 7 years of research and development. While guaranteeing the safety of our crew, it preserves air quality and will be part of our fight against global warming. It significantly improves the environmental footprint of carried goods. We have taken a big step forward. We need to go further to build transport that is even more respectful of the environment.”

The CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE, and its eight 23 000 TEU sister ships will be registered at the French International Register (FIR). They will bear the names of landmark Parisian monuments and other famous venues and institutions from all over the French capital. The new JACQUES SAADE flagship named after its founder, Jacques Saadé, a visionary and entrepreneur. All vessels are bear a specific “LNG Powered” label that will be recognizable on all seas worldwide.

On September 23, The CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE started its maiden voyage on the FAL (French Asia Line), between Asia and Northern Europe. Its rotation will take it to the ports of Pusan in South Korea; Tianjin, Ningbo, Shanghai and Yantian in China; Singapore; Southampton, Dunkirk, Hamburg, Rotterdam and Algeciras in Europe; Port Kelang in Malaysia. This line provides a weekly service comprising 13 calls over duration of 84 days.

CMA CGM Group is merging its expertise in maritime transport with top quality logistics and intermodal solutions to offer an end-to-end shipping service (dry cargo, reefer cargo and special cargo) everywhere.

More information about the Group on their website.