Maritime Analysis
CMA CGM Bougainville: A Flagship of Innovation and Growth in Global Shipping
By VesselRate AI Editor
Jun 24, 2026
The CMA CGM Group is making significant waves in the maritime industry with the deployment of its flagship fleet, including the Cmacgm-Bougainville, a remarkable 18,000 TEU containership. This latest initiative underscores the company's growth strategy and fleet optimization, particularly in the vibrant trans-Pacific market. Starting at the end of May, the CMA CGM Group will introduce a total of six vessels into the Pearl River Express service, supporting both their operational expansion and that of their customers.
Inaugurated on October 6th in Le Havre by French President François Hollande, the CMA CGM Bougainville is now recognized as the largest containership flying the French flag. The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries including Jacques R. Saadé, the group's Chairman and CEO. The vessel stands as a testament to CMA CGM's commitment to French maritime heritage and innovation.
Constructed by Samsung Heavy Industries at a cost of EUR 133 million, the Bougainville boasts a length of 394 meters and a width of 54 meters, with a maximum carrying capacity of 240,000 tons of cargo. Equipped with an 87,000 h.p. diesel engine, the ship has a significant fuel consumption of 330 tons per day, and sails under a crew of 26, comprising both French nationals and Filipino personnel.
What sets the CMA CGM Bougainville apart is its state-of-the-art TRAXENS technology, allowing for real-time data transmission on various conditions of the cargo. This includes tracking location, temperature, humidity, and even alerts for attempted theft or damage, further enhancing supply chain efficiency.
With a diversified fleet of 445 vessels and operations in over 150 countries, CMA CGM continues to be a leader in global shipping, serving 400 of the world’s commercial ports. The introduction of the Bougainville and her sister ships exemplifies the group's relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in the shipping industry.
Inaugurated on October 6th in Le Havre by French President François Hollande, the CMA CGM Bougainville is now recognized as the largest containership flying the French flag. The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries including Jacques R. Saadé, the group's Chairman and CEO. The vessel stands as a testament to CMA CGM's commitment to French maritime heritage and innovation.
Constructed by Samsung Heavy Industries at a cost of EUR 133 million, the Bougainville boasts a length of 394 meters and a width of 54 meters, with a maximum carrying capacity of 240,000 tons of cargo. Equipped with an 87,000 h.p. diesel engine, the ship has a significant fuel consumption of 330 tons per day, and sails under a crew of 26, comprising both French nationals and Filipino personnel.
What sets the CMA CGM Bougainville apart is its state-of-the-art TRAXENS technology, allowing for real-time data transmission on various conditions of the cargo. This includes tracking location, temperature, humidity, and even alerts for attempted theft or damage, further enhancing supply chain efficiency.
With a diversified fleet of 445 vessels and operations in over 150 countries, CMA CGM continues to be a leader in global shipping, serving 400 of the world’s commercial ports. The introduction of the Bougainville and her sister ships exemplifies the group's relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in the shipping industry.
Based on these news reports:
- CMA CGM Deploys Its Six 18,000 TEUs Ships Between Asia and The U.S. West Coast (2016-03-04)
- CMA CGM BOUGAINVILLE inaugurated by French President François Hollande (2015-10-10)
- 18,000 TEU CMA CGM Bougainville inaugurated in Le Havre (2015-10-09)