France expands maritime sector with record LNG container ship launch and naval shipbuilder boom

French shipping group CMA CGM inaugurated the CMA CGM Notre Dame, the world’s largest LNG‑powered container vessel at nearly 400 m long and capable of carrying up to 24,000 TEU. The ship, flagged under France, will operate the Asia‑Europe route, using LNG to cut CO₂ emissions by up to 25 % and incorporating AI for fuel optimisation. Its inaugural voyage will link major ports from Le Havre to Shanghai, carrying cargo worth €2.5‑3 billion.

At the same time, France’s state‑linked defence contractor Naval Group reported a dramatic financial turnaround, projecting €1 billion in European revenue by 2026 and €1.5 billion in the near future. The growth stems from new contracts with Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, Sweden and other partners, part of a wider European push for military self‑sufficiency. Naval Group builds key naval assets, including nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, and is positioning itself amid intense competition in the European defence market.