Cmacgm-Bougainville Vessel Reviews and Specifications

CMA CGM Group is set to enhance its shipping operations as it rolls out its fleet of six impressive 18,000 TEU vessels on the trans-Pacific route beginning at the end of May. This strategic move aims to support the Group's ambitious growth objectives both in the U.S. and globally while optimizing its vessel utilization. The Pearl River Express service will become the new home for these six state-of-the-art ships, named after legendary explorers: CMA CGM Bougainville, CMA CGM Kerguelen, CMA CGM Georg Forster, CMA CGM Vasco de Gama, CMA CGM Zheng He, and CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin. With a focus on boosting service on one of the most active trading lanes, this deployment signifies CMA CGM's commitment to driving development for both the company and its clientele in the dynamic trans-Pacific market.

In a momentous ceremony on Tuesday, October 6th, the CMA CGM Group celebrated the inauguration of the CMA CGM BOUGAINVILLE, now recognized as the largest containership to sail under the French flag. The prestigious event took place in Le Havre, graced by French President François Hollande. Notable attendees included Jacques R. Saadé, the Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, along with Laurent Fabius, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development; Alain Vidalies, the French Secretary of State for Transportation; and Nabil de Freige, the Lebanese Minister of State Administrative Reform, representing the Prime Minister. The inauguration also attracted a congregation of French parliamentarians, influential politicians, and various Chief Executive Officers, along with valued customers of CMA CGM, underscoring the significance of this development in the maritime industry.

In an impressive showcase of maritime engineering, the CMA CGM Bougainville was officially inaugurated at the Port of Le Havre, marking a significant milestone for the French shipping sector. This formidable containership, boasting an impressive capacity of 18,000 TEU, was constructed by Samsung Heavy Industries at a hefty cost of EUR 133 million. Measuring 394 meters in length and 54 meters in width, the Bougainville has the capacity to carry a staggering 240,000 tons of cargo. Powered by an 87,000 horsepower diesel engine, this giant consumes roughly 330 tons of fuel per day, making it a powerhouse of the seas. The ship's crew is composed of 26 members, including 9 French nationals and a variety of personnel hailing from the Philippines. The Bougainville’s itinerary will span a 77-day rotation between Europe and East Asia, underscoring its integral role in global shipping routes. Noteworthy is that Bougainville is the world's first container vessel equipped with TRAXENS technology, enabling real-time data transmission from each container. This groundbreaking technology tracks a multitude of parameters including location, temperature, humidity, vibrations, impacts, security breaches, and customs clearance status, enhancing logistical efficiency for the CMA CGM group. Founded in Marseille in 1978 by Jacques Saadé, the CMA CGM Group has grown to be a leading player in the global shipping industry. Operating in over 150 countries with more than 655 agencies and a workforce exceeding 20,000 (4,500 of whom are based in France), the company boasts a modern and diversified fleet of 445 vessels, 81 of which are company-owned. CMA CGM proudly serves 400 out of the world’s 521 commercial ports through its extensive network of 170 shipping lines, providing reliable maritime services across every ocean.