In a significant boost to India’s maritime sector and its push toward sustainable shipping, French shipping giant CMA CGM has signed a major contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the construction of six advanced LNG-fuelled feeder container vessels. The agreement, formalised in New Delhi on February 18, 2026, underscores the success of ongoing reforms in India’s ports, shipping, and waterways sector, attracting international collaboration and strengthening domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
The vessels, each with a capacity of 1,700 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels, and will be built at CSL’s facility in Kochi. Upon completion, they will be registered under the Indian flag, contributing to the growth of India’s national fleet and commercial shipbuilding order book.
The signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, CMA CGM Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé, other officials from the Ministry.
This landmark project is result of high-level diplomatic and business engagements between India and France. It was discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the CMA CGM (Compagnie maritime d’affrètement – Compagnie générale maritime) headquarters in France on February 12, 2025, where the company’s leadership expressed interest in flagging vessels in India and constructing ships at Indian shipyards under the country’s progressive maritime policy framework. The process advanced through a Letter of Intent (LoI) for design and construction, followed by detailed negotiations on technical specifications and commercial terms, resulting in yesterday’s formal contract.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, hailed the development as a reflection of India’s deepening strategic partnership with France and its broader ambitions in the maritime domain. “India and France share a deep and trusted strategic partnership — spanning defence, space cooperation, clean energy and Indo-Pacific maritime security,” Sonowal said.
He further added, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is advancing with a clear roadmap to become a leading maritime nation, driven by sustainability, innovation and global partnerships. The collaboration between CMA CGM and Cochin Shipyard Limited is a natural extension of this vision into the maritime domain. It demonstrates the growing confidence of global maritime leaders in India’s shipbuilding capabilities and reinforces our commitment to building a strong, self-reliant and globally integrated maritime ecosystem.”
This project is expected to create skilled employment opportunities, transfer advanced technology, and further elevate India’s standing in the global shipbuilding and maritime industry.
