Chinese shipbuilding has reached a new milestone with the delivery of the world’s first ultra-large LNG dual-fuel container vessel, the CMA CGM SEINE, to French shipping giant CMA CGM Group. Built by Shanghai-based Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), the 24,000-TEU ship signals a leap in sustainable maritime innovation.
A Milestone in Sustainable Maritime Technology
At 399 meters long and 61.3 meters wide, the vessel can carry 220,000 tonnes of cargo—equivalent to 23,876 standard containers. Its dual-fuel system, capable of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) or traditional fuel, reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 20% and nitrogen oxides by up to 85% compared to conventional ships of similar size. With an LNG-fueled range of nearly 20,000 nautical miles, the ship aligns with global decarbonization goals while maintaining operational flexibility.
Boosting Global Trade Efficiency
Scheduled to begin service on the Far East-Europe route on April 18, the CMA CGM SEINE is the first of four such vessels ordered by CMA CGM. The ship’s design includes capacity for 2,200 refrigerated containers, meeting demands for temperature-sensitive goods transportation. Hudong-Zhonghua has now delivered 17 vessels to CMA CGM since 2018, including 12 dual-fuel models, underscoring China’s growing role in high-tech maritime manufacturing.
A Strategic Partnership
This collaboration highlights the synergy between Asia’s industrial capabilities and Europe’s sustainability-focused logistics sector. Analysts note that such advancements strengthen supply chain resilience and offer investors opportunities in green shipping technologies. The project also reinforces Shanghai’s status as a hub for cutting-edge shipbuilding.
