CMA CGM orders six LNG-powered box ships from India

CMA CGM has signed a shipbuilding contract with Cochin Shipyard for six LNG-powered container ships of 1,700 TEU capacity. 

It also intends to recruit up to 1,500 Indian seafarers by the end of 2026. Through CMA SHIPS, the Group has already recruited 1,000 Indian seafarers.

The Group’s long-term commitment to India was confirmed during a meeting in New Delhi between Minister of State at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur, and CMA CGM Group chairman and chief executive, Rodolphe Saadé.

Building on this milestone, CMA CGM Group said it is “actively exploring” opportunities to partner with key stakeholders across India on initiatives designed to strengthen the country’s container manufacturing capabilities, promote sustainable ship recycling and support the development of domestic container shipping. 

As part of its participation in the Indian AI summit, CMA CGM said it will develop its innovation presence in India to leverage artificial intelligence, digital solutions, and advanced analytics to “transform the entire supply chain, from maritime operations and port efficiency to logistics optimisation and customer experience”. 

As part of this commitment, in partnership with Capgemini, CMA CGM has established a research and development hub in India, which will play a critical role in developing next-generation digital and AI-enabled solutions that support CMA CGM’s worldwide operations.

A statement said, “This panel of active participation and future developments reflects CMA CGM’s broader vision of being a long-term partner in India’s supply chain and infrastructure growth, combining global shipping expertise and competitiveness in asset building and management, logistics excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable practices.”

Mr Saadé said, “I am pleased to be in India to deepen the strategic partnership, which has linked CMA CGM and India for nearly four decades. Today, we are strengthening our shipbuilding co-operation with Cochin Shipyard by ordering six LNG-powered container vessels. At the same time, we are looking to expand our engagement in container manufacturing and ship recycling. This is fully aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s Maritime Vision 2047 to position India as a major maritime nation. As corridors such as India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor develop, connecting India to the Middle East and Europe, CMA CGM stands ready to contribute to this new phase of global trade.”