CMA CGM has finalised a landmark order for six 1,700‑TEU LNG-powered containerships at India's Cochin Shipyard and unveiled a new digital R&D hub in the country, deepening its long‑term strategic partnership with India as the group expands its fleet, technology capabilities and seafarer recruitment. 

The French carrier signed contracts with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the newbuildings, marking the first time a major global container line has placed a containership order with an Indian yard.

CMA CGM said the order reflects its commitment to supporting India's maritime ambitions and strengthening its own operational footprint in the country.

 (Photo: CMA CGM)

CMA CGM's chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé framed the deal as a deepening of the group's long‑standing ties with India and a direct contribution to the country's maritime ambitions.

"I am pleased to be in India to deepen the strategic partnership, which has linked CMA CGM and India for nearly four decades. Today, we are strengthening our shipbuilding cooperation with Cochin Shipyard through the signing of six LNG-powered container vessels."

"At the same time, we are looking to expand our engagement in container manufacturing and ship recycling. This is fully aligned with Prime Minister Modi's Maritime Vision 2047 to position India as a major maritime nation. As corridors such as India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) develop, connecting India to the Middle East and Europe, CMA CGM stands ready to contribute to this new phase of global trade."

CGM also committed to human capital development in India. Through CMA SHIPS, the Group has already recruited 1,000 Indian seafarers, with plans to onboard 1,500 seafarers by the end of 2026, further strengthening Group's role in the global maritime workforce. 

Alongside the newbuild order, CMA CGM also launched a dedicated digital R&D hub in India, which will focus on developing technology solutions for fleet optimisation, energy efficiency and operational performance.

"CMA CGM will develop its innovation presence in India to actively leverage artificial intelligence, digital solutions, and advanced analytics to transform the entire supply chain, from maritime operations and port efficiency to logistics optimization and customer experience," the French shipping line said.

"As part of this commitment, in partnership with Capgemini, CMA CGM has established a dedicated R&D hub in India, positioning the country as a key global center for innovation within the Group," CMA CGM said, adding that the India R&D hub plays a critical role in developing next-generation digital and AI-enabled solutions that support CMA CGM’s worldwide operations.

For CMA CGM, the deal supports its decarbonisation roadmap and fleet renewal strategy, while the new R&D hub positions India as a growing centre for the group's digital and engineering development.

"Building on this strategic milestone, the CMA CGM Group is actively exploring opportunities to partner with key stakeholders across India on initiatives designed to strengthen the country's container manufacturing capabilities, promote sustainable ship recycling and support the development of domestic container shipping," CMA CGM said.