maritime, inaugural stopover : CMA CGM chooses Le Havre to name the largest French-flagged container ship in the World

An LNG-powered vessel

Measuring 400 metres in length, 62 metres in width and capable of carrying more than 24,000 containers, CMA CGM NOTRE DAME represents a new generation of vessels combining performance, innovation and French expertise on a global scale.

Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and equipped with cutting-edge technologies, the vessel also reflects the transformation of the shipping industry towards lower-carbon and more environmentally responsible operations.

Named after one of France’s most iconic landmarks, CMA CGM NOTRE DAME sails under the French flag, helping to strengthen the country’s maritime sovereignty while demonstrating the Group’s commitment to preserving maritime employment and strategic maritime expertise in France.

The vessel operates on the CMA CGM Group’s FAL service (French Asia Line), connecting major Asian ports with Europe’s leading hubs, including key calls in France, notably at Le Havre.

HAROPA PORT, a major hub on global maritime trade routes  

This extraordinary vessel was officially named in Le Havre on 2 July 2026. During the ceremony, a commemorative plaque was presented to the ship’s Master, while Benoît Rochet, Chief Executive Officer of HAROPA PORT, presented a gift to Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group.

This gesture reflects HAROPA PORT’s pride in having been selected to host the naming ceremony, further confirming its strategic role in global trade.

Thanks to its world-class infrastructure and exceptional reception capabilities, Le Havre is one of the few European ports able to accommodate the largest container ships currently in service. Every year, millions of tonnes of cargo transit through the port, making HAROPA PORT a key gateway for trade between Europe and the rest of the world.