Major Foreign Carrier Becomes First to Commission LNG Vessels from an Indian Shipyard, Underscoring Commitment to “Make in India”
The CMA CGM Group has signed a letter of intent for the construction of six new 1,700 TEU Dual-Fuel LNG containerships to be built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in India. This strategic agreement makes CMA CGM the first major international container shipping company to commission LNG-powered vessels from an Indian shipyard.
All six of the newbuilds, which are scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2031, will be registered under the Indian flag. This move strongly supports the Indian government’s maritime policy and Prime Minister Modi’s vision to transform India into a global shipbuilding power. The project will also benefit from the technical cooperation of Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI).
Investment in Sustainability and India’s Maritime Sector
The 1,700 TEU vessels demonstrate CMA CGM’s commitment to a more sustainable shipping future. The ships can run on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and are designed to be ready for low-carbon fuels, significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This aligns directly with the Group’s ambition to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
The initiative underscores CMA CGM’s deep commitment to India’s strategic national priorities, including the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The Group is actively investing across the Indian maritime value chain:
- Port Infrastructure: CMA CGM holds significant strategic stakes in terminals at Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT) near Mumbai and Mundra Port.
- Flagging and Employment: The Group is reflagging four vessels under the Indian registry in 2025 and plans to recruit 1,000 Indian seafarers by the end of the year, with an additional 500 seafarers planned for hiring in 2026.
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, stated: “This milestone reflects the trust we place in India’s industrial and technological capabilities and supports Prime Minister Modi’s ambition to make India a global shipbuilding power. India is a strategic country for CMA CGM, where we invest, train, and innovate.”
Madhu S Nair, CMD of Cochin Shipyard, welcomed the landmark project, noting CSL’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable vessels and the value of collaborating with a major partner like HD HHI. CMA CGM has a 34-year presence in India, a workforce of approximately 17,000 employees, and operates 19 weekly maritime services connecting India to global markets.
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