The world's first and largest LNG-powered container ship was launched in Shanghai on Wednesday, said French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM Group.

The 23,000-TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) liquefied natural gas (LNG)-? powered container ship is the first of a nine-vessel order placed by CMA CGM Group to two Shanghai-based shipyards under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) in 2017.

"With the launch of the first 23,000 TEU ship powered by liquefied natural gas, we demonstrate that energy transition can be successful in our industry if all the players work together.

"It paves the way to a global shipping approach where economic growth and competitiveness can coexist with sustainability and the fight against climate change," said Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group.

The mega ship, 400 meters in length and 61 meters in width, is considered unique for its 18,600 cubic meters LNG tank.

LNG, a clean power source, can reduce emissions of sulphur and fine particles by 99 percent, nitrogen oxides emissions by 85 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20 percent, according to Xavier Leclercq, vice-president of CMA Ships.

He added the vessel will be part of CMA CGM Group's fleet in 2020 on the French Asia Line (Asia-Northern Europe).

The vessel is due for official delivery in April 2020, according to its builder, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co Ltd.