La Méridionale unveils its two new ships designed to reinvent the crossing between the mainland and Corsica.

 

  • Two French-flagged first registry ships designed to carry both passengers and freight
  • A unique design and comfort, developed in collaboration with the interior architecture studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and Stirling Design
  • More environmentally friendly ships with up to 50% reduction in CO2 emissions
  • An order placed by the CMA CGM Group, new shareholder of La Méridionale, with delivery scheduled for the first quarter of 2027


As the historic operator of the route between the mainland and Corsica, La Méridionale will receive two new French-flagged first registry ships in the first quarter of 2027. These vessels, dedicated to this crossing, will feature 264 cabins and be able to accommodate 1,000 passengers as well as freight.

This order reflects La Méridionale’s commitment to continue its development and to stand out through the quality of service offered to its customers, with ships that are increasingly environmentally friendly.

A unique design to reinvent the crossing between the mainland and Corsica

Designed by the interior architecture studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and the Stirling Design firm, the arrangements prioritize aesthetics, comfort, durability of materials, and accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

Measuring 180 meters long and 30.8 meters wide, these two new ships will offer 7 types of cabins accommodating from 2 to 4 people, including a new Luxury category composed of 21 cabins with balconies. They will thus meet the diverse needs of travelers.

They have been designed to completely reinvent the onboard customer experience; beyond their aesthetics and comfort, their entry into the fleet will offer a unique travel experience with an enhanced range of services.


Ships that are increasingly respectful of the environment

Equipped with the latest technologies, they will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), reducing sulfur and fine particle emissions by 99%, and nitrogen oxide emissions by 80%.

This LNG will power two electric propulsion engines of 10.5 MW each.

During their stops, thanks to electrical shore connection or their 13 MWh battery pack, they will produce zero polluting emissions for the comfort of local residents.

Other technological choices such as five-bladed optimized propellers, energy optimization of cabins, energy recovery and storage as hot water, and hull optimization at appropriate speeds will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and underwater noise emissions.

These new ships will also be able to use a variety of alternative fuels, including biogas and synthetic methane.

Next-generation LNG propulsion combined with all these innovative technologies will allow a reduction of CO2 emissions by more than 50% compared to the reference ship.


For Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée, President of La Méridionale:

“With the support of its new shareholder, CMA CGM, La Méridionale is writing a new chapter in its history.
This order demonstrates our unwavering commitment to serving Corsica within the framework of our Public Service Delegation, our determination to offer a modern and unprecedented experience to our customers, and our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint.
With their avant-garde features, these two ships will undoubtedly set new standards in the industry.”