CMA CGM expands fleet with Indian-built LNG vessels

CMA CGM has signed a letter of intent with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for six LNG-powered containerships.

CMA CGM expands fleet with Indian-built LNG vessels

This move makes CMA CGM the first major international carrier to commission LNG vessels from an Indian shipyard, with all six ships to be registered under the Indian flag.

Each vessel will have a capacity of 1,700 TEUs and be equipped for dual-fuel operation, capable of running on LNG and future low-carbon fuels.

The project will be executed with technical support from Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, aligning with CMA CGM’s Net Zero Carbon ambition by 2050.

The initiative supports India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat strategies, with CMA CGM reinforcing its presence across the country’s maritime value chain.

This includes investments in terminals, shipbuilding, and crewing. The Group will reflag four vessels to the Indian registry in 2025 and plans to recruit 1,000 Indian seafarers by the end of the year, followed by 500 more in 2026.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, stated: “India is a strategic country for CMA CGM, where we invest, train, and innovate. Beyond shipbuilding, we are strengthening our partnerships in logistics, maritime training, and sustainable transport to support India’s growth and contribute to the decarbonisation of global trade.”

The vessels will be delivered between 2029 and 2031 as part of CMA CGM’s ongoing fleet renewal and energy transition strategy.

The agreement with Cochin Shipyard signals shared priorities around innovation, sustainability, and maritime excellence.

Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL, commented: “We are pleased that CMA CGM has chosen CSL to be part of this landmark initiative. This project is also of great significance to CSL as we are collaborating with the largest shipbuilding group HD KSOE as the major partner, which further reinforces our commitment to bring the best in class solutions through partnerships, to serve clients across the globe.”

Recently, the CMA CGM Group actively expanded its operations through the Port of Koper, the Adriatic’s foremost port and a key gateway to Central Europe.