Sailing northbound from France to Malaysia, the vessel joined the scheduled convoy under the operational coordination of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA).
Operated by CMA CGM, the vessel measures 399.9 metres in length and 61.3 metres in beam, with a draft of 16 metres and a gross tonnage of 244,000 GT. It has a nominal capacity of 24,000 TEUs and is equipped with a liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel tank holding 18,600 cubic metres—enabling extended-range voyages between Asia and Europe while supporting decarbonisation objectives.
CMA CGM VENDOME is deployed on the Ocean Alliance’s Far East–Northwest Europe FAL 3 service. This transit marks the first southbound passage of the FAL 3 service through the Suez Canal since January 2026.
In accordance with SCA’s inaugural-transit protocol, senior maritime pilots boarded the vessel to conduct navigational oversight, welcomed the crew aboard, and presented a commemorative plaque to the Master. The Authority also assigned dedicated escort tugboats and provided real-time hydrographic and traffic support to ensure safe and efficient passage.
Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, underscored that evolving geopolitical dynamics continue to influence global shipping route selection and supply chain configurations. He noted that improved transit efficiency—including reduced voyage duration and lower fuel consumption—has reinforced the Canal’s strategic value, encouraging major carriers to resume usage over the alternative Cape of Good Hope route. Admiral Rabiee further affirmed the Canal’s capability to safely accommodate the world’s largest and most technologically advanced container vessels, citing CMA CGM’s sustained reliance on the waterway as a testament to its operational readiness and service excellence.
Between January and May 2026, CMA CGM completed 104 transits through the Suez Canal, representing a total net tonnage of 12.5 million tonnes. The Authority continues to enhance navigational infrastructure, digital services, and customer-centric offerings to strengthen maritime safety, environmental performance, and service reliability.
Captain Daniel Martin, Master of CMA CGM VENDOME, stated: “CMA CGM selects routing solutions based on operational efficiency, environmental impact, and service reliability for our customers. The Suez Canal remains the optimal corridor between Asia and Europe—delivering measurable reductions in transit time, fuel use, and emissions, while maintaining the highest standards of navigational safety.”
Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/rSKYEkwBhiHNaT-v-9VORw