CMA CGM is making a big commitment to India by signing contracts with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to build six LNG-powered container ships. Additionally, they are setting up a new Research & Development hub in the country. This expansion will cover shipbuilding, crew management, manufacturing, and digital innovation for the French shipping company.
This agreement, finalized in New Delhi by CMA CGM's Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé, is significant as it marks the first time a major global container shipping company has placed an order for LNG-fueled ships with an Indian shipyard.
The six vessels, each with a capacity of 1,700 TEUs, will be constructed at CSL with assistance from South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Deliveries are expected to occur between 2029 and 2031. These ships will use LNG and are designed to work with lower-carbon fuels, aligning with CMA CGM's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“I am happy to be in India to strengthen the strategic partnership that CMA CGM has built with India over nearly 40 years,” said Saadé. “Today, we are enhancing our shipbuilding collaboration with Cochin Shipyard through the order of six LNG-powered container vessels. At the same time, we plan to boost our involvement in container manufacturing and ship recycling.”
This announcement goes beyond just ordering ships. CMA CGM has already hired 1,000 Indian seafarers through its CMA SHIPS division and aims to increase this number to 1,500 by the end of 2026. The company also employs about 17,000 people in India and runs 19 weekly services that connect Indian ports with global markets.
The shipping line has significant interests in Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal near Mumbai and Mundra Port, which highlights its long-term commitment to improving India’s port infrastructure.
At the same time, CMA CGM is launching a dedicated R&D hub in India in collaboration with Capgemini. This center will focus on AI-driven and digital supply chain solutions, using advanced analytics and automation to improve maritime operations, port efficiency, logistics, and customer service.
This initiative positions India as a crucial innovation hub within CMA CGM’s global network, particularly as digitalization and AI become essential for gaining a competitive edge in shipping.
This deal fits well with India’s broader maritime strategy, which includes plans like Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. These initiatives aim to establish India as a significant global maritime center.
For CSL, this project is a major achievement. “CSL is delighted that CMA CGM has selected us for this significant endeavor,” said Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard, emphasizing the important technical partnership with HD Hyundai.
For CMA CGM, this move strengthens their 37-year connection to India and shows that they view the country not just as a trade route, but as a crucial long-term partner in industry, workforce, and technology.