Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) on Monday (22 June) said it has recently classed CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, the first vessel in CMA CGM’s series of 24,000 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel ultra-large container ships (ULCS) built by Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (Yangzi Xinfu).

The vessel was delivered in May, marking a significant step forward for Chinese shipbuilding in the construction of next-generation ULCS.

As the lead vessel in the series being constructed for CMA CGM at Yangzi Xinfu, CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is among the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly ULCS currently in operation. 

Measuring 399.9 meters in length and 61.3 meters in width, the vessel has a carrying capacity of 24,092 standard containers. Its LNG duel-fuel system is designed to significantly reduce emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide during operation, supporting the industry’s transition toward a lower-carbon future.

The 24,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ship is one of the most technically complex vessel types in global shipbuilding. During the design phase, BV’s technical team worked closely with the shipyard and designers, conducting reviews of multiple key design aspects including general arrangement and structural reinforcement. 

Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore (BVS) led the hull form optimization work, contributing to enhanced cargo capacity and energy efficiency while helping ensure safety. BVS also conducted a dedicated safety risk assessment of the fuel tank arrangement, supporting compliance with the stringent international rules and safety standards.

During construction and commissioning, BV’s site surveyors provided inspection of critical processes including large thin-plate welding and the installation and alignment of the extra-long shafting system. In addition, the team conducted installation inspections and functional testing of the vessel’s LNG fuel storage, handling, and fuel gas supply system (FGSS) in strict accordance with BV Rules, helping ensure the safety and reliability of its core propulsion system.

To date, more than 200 vessels in the CMA CGM fleet are classed by BV, with over 50 more vessels currently under construction with BV class, including a significant number of green vessels such as LNG dual-fuel and methanol-powered ships.

Photo credit: Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
Published: 24 June, 2026

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding on Monday (15 June) said Tsuneishi Group (Zhoushan) Shipbuilding (TZS) has delivered its third methanol dual-fuel 5,900 TEU container vessel.  

The vessel is equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system capable of operating on methanol as well as conventional marine fuels. 

“Methanol is attracting growing attention as a next-generation marine fuel due to its potential to reduce CO₂ emissions and support the maritime industry’s transition towards decarbonisation,” the company said. 

Building on the successful delivery of its second methanol dual-fuel 5,900 TEU container vessel, the company said TZS is further enhancing its technical expertise and production experience in response to increasing demand for next-generation fuel vessels.

Photo credit: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
Published: 18 June, 2026

Norway’s LH2 Shipping on Tuesday (16 June) said it has been awarded Enova support of NOK 344.3 million (USD 36 million) for the development and construction of two additional liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers.

With the latest award, LH2 Shipping is now involved in the development of six hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects. The announcement builds on previous Enova-supported vessel initiatives and reflects growing momentum for liquid hydrogen as a viable fuel alternative for short-sea shipping to meet decarbonising policy goals.

The new projects represent a continuation of LH2 Shipping’s long-term strategy to establish commercially viable hydrogen-powered vessels while contributing to the development of the supporting fuel and bunkering infrastructure required for large-scale adoption.

“This award is an important strategic milestone for LH2 Shipping,” stated Ivan Østvik, CEO of LH2 Shipping. 

“It strengthens our position as a developer of liquid hydrogen-based zero-emission vessel solutions and brings us yet another step closer to our ambition of enabling a substantial fleet of hydrogen-powered vessels that can help establish a complete maritime liquid hydrogen value chain.”

Since introducing the world’s first hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects, LH2 Shipping has focused on moving beyond demonstration concepts toward commercially deployable vessels. The addition of vessels five and six further expands the project portfolio and supports continued industrial learning across ship design, fuel systems, operations, and infrastructure.

The Enova support will indirectly enable LH2 Shipping to continue their work developing additional zero-emission solutions for passenger transport and offshore operations, supporting Norway’s broader transition toward a low-emission maritime sector.

“If we are to succeed in the transition to low and zero emission solutions in the maritime sector, we depend on players who dare to go first. LH2 Shipping shows how shipping companies can take the lead and adopt new technology. This is crucial to accelerating development and reducing emissions from shipping,” said Head of Hydrogen and Ammonia Initiatives, Elin Ulstad Stokland at Enova.

This latest Enova award brings total support for the six vessels to more than NOK 800 million and reinforces the momentum behind hydrogen-powered shipping in Norway. Through these projects, LH2 Shipping is offering ship operators to decarbonise bulk transport at scale while contributing to the development of the infrastructure and experience needed for wider industry adoption.

Photo credit: LH2 Shipping
Published: 17 June, 2026