CMA CGM In Advanced Talks With Indian Shipyards For LNG-Powered Vessels

image Credits: CMA CGM/LinkedIn

As reported by CMA CGM, the prominent French shipping company is in advanced discussions with Indian shipyards to construct LNG-powered container vessels. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance its footprint in India’s maritime industry.Beyond shipbuilding,CMA CGM is channeling investments into port adn inland infrastructure projects. Notably, they are working on a $200 million expansion at the Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal and are involved in the upcoming Vadhavan Port project.

The company’s ambitions in India span various sectors including shipping, container terminals, multimodal logistics, and maritime industrial development. Recently, they introduced two Indian-flagged ships—CC Vitoria and CC Manaus—and established a new shipping entity at GIFT City in Gujarat.

Last week marked an important visit from shri T.K.Ramachandran, India’s Secretary of the ministry of Ports, Shipping and waterways to CMA CGM’s headquarters in Marseille. This visit followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official trip to France earlier this year were he engaged with CMA CGM representatives.

Modi’s February 2025 trip was significant as it was his sixth visit to France and came shortly after President Macron attended India’s republic Day celebrations as chief guest earlier that year.

During thier discussions, both leaders highlighted India’s maritime potential along with global partnerships under initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which was unveiled during the G20 summit held in Delhi last September.They committed to enhancing collaboration for IMEC’s implementation.

During Ramachandran’s June 12 visit to Marseille, CMA CGM executives briefed him on advancements since Modi’s February meeting.They outlined their expansion strategy focusing on five main areas: shipbuilding collaboration, boosting the Indian-flagged fleet size, enhancing inland logistics systems, fostering innovation within maritime operations, and increasing investments into industrial growth within India’s maritime sector.

CMA CGM also expressed interest in tapping into India’s ship recycling market—especially around Alang—and indicated plans to procure containers and green steel from local manufacturers as part of their sustainability objectives globally.

Currently employing over 2,200 digital experts across India, CMA CGM is contemplating establishing research hubs dedicated to maritime innovation across major cities like Mumbai or Chennai—aiming for future advancements within the shipping industry.