CMA CGM signs a contract with Cochin Shipyard to build six 1,700 TEU LNG-fuelled ships under the Indian flag.
India’s maritime reforms delivered a major boost to domestic shipbuilding today as CMA CGM signed a shipbuilding contract with Cochin Shipyard (CSL) for the construction of six LNG-fuelled feeder container vessels, each with a capacity of 1,700 TEU.
The contract was signed at a ceremony in New Delhi, attended by the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur; CMA CGM Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé; Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar; senior ministry officials; and representatives of both organisations.
The vessels will be built at CSL’s shipyard in Kochi and registered under the Indian flag, adding significant value to India’s commercial shipbuilding order book. The project also signals growing global confidence in Indian shipyards, aligned with the government’s push for green shipping and indigenous maritime capabilities.
In a message, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the agreement reflects the strength of India–France strategic ties, spanning defence, clean energy and maritime security, and builds on recent high-level engagements involving Emmanuel Macron. He added that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India is advancing steadily towards becoming a leading global maritime nation through sustainability, innovation and partnerships.
Addressing the gathering, Shantanu Thakur noted that the project traces its origins to the Prime Minister’s visit to France on 12 February 2025, when CMA CGM expressed interest in flagging vessels in India and building ships at Indian yards under the country’s progressive shipping policy framework. “Today’s contract is the tangible outcome of that strategic dialogue,” he said.
The agreement follows a letter of intent executed earlier between CMA CGM and CSL, during which both sides finalised vessel design, specifications and techno-commercial terms. Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the six vessels underscore India’s commitment to cleaner fuels and sustainable maritime growth, while positioning Indian shipbuilding firmly on the global map.
Source: PIB
