World's Largest LNG-Powered Container Ship Completes First Bio-LNG Bunkering in Rotterdam

The CMA CGM Notre Dame, currently the world’s largest LNG-powered container vessel, has successfully completed its inaugural call and first bio-LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Rotterdam. This milestone marks a significant step in the maritime industry's transition toward sustainable fuels, as bio-LNG can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 67% compared to traditional marine fuels. The operation underscores the growing infrastructure for alternative energy in major European shipping hubs and highlights CMA CGM's commitment to decarbonizing its global fleet.

The 24,212 TEU CMA CGM Notre Dame reached a major operational milestone by receiving its first supply of bio-LNG, which is produced in Europe from organic agricultural and agri-food waste. The bunkering process was managed by TotalEnergies’ specialized vessel, Gas Agility, which previously serviced the CMA CGM Jacques Saade in 2020. This latest operation reinforces the Port of Rotterdam’s status as a premier marine fuel hub, which handles approximately 10 million tonnes of bunker fuel annually, including significant volumes of bio-blended fuels and LNG.

Measuring 400 meters in length and 61 meters in width, the CMA CGM Notre Dame is the first of ten next-generation vessels destined to sail under the French flag. The ship is now deployed on the French Asia Line 3 (FAL3) service, a strategic rotation connecting major global ports such as Hamburg, Antwerp, Port Klang, Ningbo, and Tanger Med. According to Toon Pierré, General Manager of CMA CGM’s Benelux cluster, the successful bunkering highlights the deep collaborative relationship between the shipping line and the Port of Rotterdam in advancing maritime sustainability.

Beyond the reduction of greenhouse gases, the use of LNG and bio-LNG significantly mitigates the emission of sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, addressing key environmental regulations in the shipping sector. Data from the Port of Rotterdam indicates a robust shift toward cleaner energy, with the facility handling 649,466 tonnes of bio-blended fuels and 992,911 cubic meters of LNG as part of its 2025 throughput. This transition is critical for the Marine & Shipping sector as it seeks to boost trade links between Europe and Asia while meeting increasingly stringent international carbon reduction targets.