World's Largest LNG Container Ship Completes First Bio-LNG Bunkering in Rotterdam
The CMA CGM Notre Dame, the world's largest LNG-powered container ship, received its first bio-LNG bunkering at the Port of Rotterdam, supplied by TotalEnergies.
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The CMA CGM Notre Dame, the world's largest LNG-powered container ship, has made its inaugural call at the Port of Rotterdam and received its first supply of bio-LNG. The bio-LNG, derived from European organic agricultural and agri-food waste, was delivered by TotalEnergies' bunker vessel Gas Agility. The Port of Rotterdam reports that using bio-LNG can cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 67% relative to standard marine fuels. LNG itself lowers emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter.
The 24,212 TEU vessel, flying the French flag, measures 400 meters in length and 61 meters in width. It is the largest container ship in the French fleet and the first of ten next-generation ships to sail under the French flag. The vessel was officially named in Le Havre shortly before its Rotterdam call and has now commenced service on CMA CGM's French Asia Line 3 (FAL3). Its Asia-Europe itinerary includes ports such as Hamburg, Antwerp, Port Klang, Ningbo, and Tanger Med, with the aim of enhancing trade between Europe and Asia.
This bunkering operation follows a precedent set in 2020, when Gas Agility supplied fuel to the CMA CGM Jacques Saade, which at the time held the title of the world's largest LNG-powered container vessel. Toon Pierré, General Manager of CMA CGM's Benelux cluster, stated that this operation underscores the strong partnership between the shipping line and the Port of Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is solidifying its status as a premier marine fuel hub in Europe, with annual bunker fuel sales of 10 million tonnes. In 2025, the port processed 649,466 tonnes of bio-blended fuels, 9.06 million tonnes of conventional fossil fuels, and 992,911 cubic meters of LNG.