CMA CGM to Build Six LNG-Powered Containerships at Cochin Shipyard, a First for India

The CMA CGM Group has signed a letter of intent with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the construction of six LNG-powered containerships, marking a significant milestone for India’s shipbuilding sector. The French shipping major becomes the first international carrier to commission LNG-fueled vessels from an Indian shipyard. All six vessels will be registered under the Indian flag.

Each vessel will have a capacity of 1,700 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and will be designed to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) while being compatible with future low-carbon fuels. The project, carried out in collaboration with South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for technical cooperation, aligns with CMA CGM’s goal to achieve Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050. Deliveries are scheduled between 2029 and 2031.

Strengthening India’s Maritime and Industrial Capabilities

The agreement supports India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, underlining the country’s growing role in global shipbuilding. CMA CGM is expanding its investments across India’s maritime ecosystem, including ports, logistics, and crewing operations.

As part of its strategy to deepen local engagement, the Group will reflag four vessels under the Indian registry in 2025 and plans to hire 1,000 Indian seafarers by the end of that year, followed by an additional 500 in 2026.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, said:

“I am pleased that CMA CGM is the first international shipping company to order LNG vessels built in India. 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. Beyond shipbuilding, we are strengthening our partnerships in logistics, maritime training, and sustainable transport to support India’s growth and contribute to the decarbonization of global trade.”

Partnership Between CMA CGM and Cochin Shipyard

The collaboration highlights the increasing technological capacity of Indian shipyards to deliver sustainable and advanced vessels.

Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard, stated:

“We are pleased that CMA CGM has chosen CSL to be part of this landmark initiative. CSL is committed to deliver high quality vessels with sustainable solutions to meet the market expectation of the future shipping. 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.”

Expanding CMA CGM’s Footprint in India

India remains a key market for CMA CGM, where it has operated for over three decades. The Group employs about 17,000 people in the country and connects Indian trade to global markets through 19 weekly services.

In addition to its shipping operations, CMA CGM has strategic investments in port terminals at Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT) near Mumbai and Mundra Port. Its Global Business Services (GBS) headquarters in Chennai serves as a key global hub, employing more than 9,000 people and supporting operations across 160 global agencies.

The Group’s logistics subsidiary, CEVA Logistics, operates across 105 sites in 31 Indian cities, managing approximately 900,000 square meters of warehouse space. Its acquisition of Stellar VCS in 2023 further expanded its presence in India’s contract logistics market.

Key Takeaways

• Six LNG-powered containerships to be built at Cochin Shipyard for CMA CGM.
• First international carrier to order LNG vessels from an Indian shipyard.
• Technical cooperation with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
• Delivery timeline: 2029–2031.
• Supports India’s shipbuilding and decarbonization goals.
• CMA CGM expanding local recruitment and investments across ports, logistics, and training.