CMA CGM ultra large LNG dual-fuel container ship delivered at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard

The CMA CGM SEINE, a new 24,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ship built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (HZSY), was successfully delivered last week, marking completion of the first vessel in a new four-ship series.

The vessel is described by Bureau Veritas, which classed the vessel,  as representing a significant leap forward in vessel performance and advancement in the shipping industry’s shift toward more sustainable, low-carbon operations in the ultra-large container ship sector. BV Solutions Marine & Offshore (BVS) provided advisory services on the vessel’s design and construction.

The CMA CGM SEINE integrates a dual-fuel propulsion system supported by GTT Mark III membrane-type LNG bunker tanks, with a total capacity of 18,600 cubic metres, designed to enhance both environmental performance and operational efficiency.

Measuring 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in beam, the vessel has a carrying capacity of 23,876 TEU and is equipped with a WinGD W12X92DF-2.0 dual-fuel main engine, incorporating the Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER) system.



This configuration significantly reduces methane emissions and enables compliance with IMO Tier III emission standards when operating in ‘Diesel + iCER mode’. BV worked closely with the engine manufacturer and the shipyard to test the parent engine and issued the Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) certificate, establishing a foundation for compliance across the series. The iCER system optimises energy efficiency, achieving an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) reduction well beyond the IMO’s Tier III standards.

Throughout the construction stage, BV worked closely with the shipyard’s design and quality assurance departments to reinforce inspection procedures. BV conducted a comprehensive gap analysis between the existing vessel design and BV rules, guiding the shipyard to upgrade the cargo hold fire protection system, and enhance overall fire safety. 

To address the critical sloshing challenges in large-volume LNG bunker tanks, BVS performed direct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The verified pressure data was provided to the design unit for structural strength checks, ensuring the safety of the cargo containment system and hull support structure.

The vessel features advanced technologies to boost operational performance and energy efficiency. Equipped with the SmartEye intelligent monitoring system and the TotalCommand full-control system, it achieves automated precision control during berthing, significantly reducing berthing time and enhancing port operations.
Energy efficiency is further improved by applying variable frequency drive (VFD) technology to the engine room fans and seawater cooling pumps. Meanwhile, the WinGD Data Collection Monitoring (DCM) system offers real-time tracking and analysis for the dual-fuel main engine, supporting operational optimization. 

BV also supported the upgrade of BV-certified boil-off gas (BOG) compressors by conducting sea trial tests and re-issuing product certificates, facilitating seamless system commissioning and vessel delivery.

Mr. Xavier Leclercq, Vice President of CMA Ships said: "Today’s delivery of the 'CMA CGM SEINE' featuring LNG as fuel at such a large scale, will remain a major landmark in the shipping world and embodies the engagement of the CMA CGM group toward an ambitious decarbonisation path, leading the way in our industry.”