CMA CGM orders six LNG-powered ships from Cochin Shipyard and explores containers, AI and seafarer growth in India.
Global container shipping major CMA CGM has placed its first-ever container vessel order with an Indian shipyard, signing the final shipbuilding contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for six LNG-powered containerships of 1,700 TEU capacity.
The landmark order, India’s first global container vessel contract for an Indian shipyard, follows a Letter of Intent signed at India Maritime Week in October 2025. The contract was formalised in New Delhi in the presence of senior government officials and CMA CGM’s global leadership, underscoring the Group’s long-term commitment to India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.
During the signing, CMA CGM announced plans to expand its engagement across India’s maritime value chain, including exploring container manufacturing, sustainable ship recycling, and the development of domestic container shipping and inland waterways. The Group said a decision on container manufacturing in India would depend on future developments and competitive pricing. Currently, most of CMA CGM’s containers are sourced from China.
Union Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar stated that extensive consultations with shipping lines were undertaken ahead of the container manufacturing assistance scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, ensuring that containers built in India would align with global pricing benchmarks.
The announcement was made during a high-level gathering attended by Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM. The Group reaffirmed its alignment with India’s Maritime Vision 2047 and its readiness to support emerging global trade corridors such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Alongside asset building, CMA CGM is strengthening its human capital base in India. Through CMA SHIPS, the Group has already recruited 1,000 Indian seafarers and plans to onboard 1,500 seafarers by the end of 2026, including an additional 500 in 2026 alone, reinforcing India’s role in the global maritime workforce.
Driving innovation, CMA CGM also announced plans to scale its AI and digital innovation presence in India. In partnership with Capgemini, the Group has established a dedicated Research & Development hub in India, focused on AI-driven and next-generation digital solutions spanning maritime operations, port efficiency, logistics optimisation, and customer experience.
“With nearly four decades of partnership with India, we are deepening shipbuilding cooperation, exploring container manufacturing and ship recycling, and expanding innovation and talent development,” said Rodolphe Saadé. “As new global trade corridors take shape, CMA CGM stands ready to contribute to India’s rise as a major maritime nation.”
The developments collectively signal CMA CGM’s broader vision of being a long-term partner in India’s supply chain and infrastructure growth, combining global shipping expertise, logistics excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable practices.
SOURCE: Business Standard
