New Container Ship Adds Reefer Capacity to Asia Route
The LNG-powered vessel increases temperature-controlled shipping options for operators on the South American trade lane.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Transportation
New Times Shipyard delivered the CMA CGM Pacific, an 8,454-TEU, LNG-powered container ship, to Eastern Pacific Shipping. The vessel will service trade routes between Asia and the East Coast of South America.
Why it matters
Operators managing cold-chain logistics should note the increased reefer capacity as carriers modernize fleets to meet rising demand for perishable goods. This delivery reflects a broader industry shift toward LNG-fueled vessels on major international trade corridors.
The CMA CGM Pacific features a capacity of 8,454 TEUs and 1,300 reefer plugs, a significant metric for cold-chain volume versus standard mid-sized vessels. Its deadweight capacity is 101,000 tonnes, with an engine power output of 24,800 kW.
The players
New Times Shipyard
A major shipbuilding firm specializing in large-scale merchant vessel construction.
Eastern Pacific Shipping
A Singapore-headquartered ship management company operating a large, diversified global fleet.
CMA CGM
A global shipping and logistics leader managing container transport and terminal operations.
The details
Built by New Times Shipyard using the Sealion 8000 LNG design, the ship utilizes Everllence 6G80ME-C10.5-GI-EGRTC main engines. This technical configuration allows for a maximum speed of 21 knots, balancing fuel efficiency with transit time requirements for the SEAS3 service. The vessel measures 260 meters in length and 45.6 meters in beam, accommodating a high density of temperature-controlled cargo containers for the South American market.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Delivery of the CMA CGM Pacific.
September 2026: Delivery of the CMA CGM Indian sister ship.
November 2026: Expected delivery of the final vessel in the series, CMA CGM Austral.
Market Landscape
The delivery aligns with the adoption of the Sealion 8000 LNG design, which provides a standardized blueprint for this four-ship series. This reflects a broader industry transition away from legacy fuel systems toward LNG-powered architecture for high-capacity container logistics.
Supply chain operators should monitor the availability of 1,300-plug capacity vessels on the SEAS3 route for their perishable goods procurement strategies. The increase in specialized fleet capacity may allow for more predictable transit schedules for temperature-sensitive cargo.
The takeaway
The deployment of the CMA CGM Pacific highlights the industry push to scale LNG-powered, reefer-intensive fleets. Track the delivery of the final ship in the series, the CMA CGM Austral, to determine when the full capacity expansion on this South American route will be complete.
What happens next
The final vessel in this series, the CMA CGM Austral, is expected to be delivered in November 2026.
Further reading
For more on evolving logistics and infrastructure, explore our Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DatamarNews.
