CMA CGM, Cochin Shipyard sign deal for six LNG-fuelled container ships

Each vessel will have a capacity of 1,700 TEU and run on LNG fuel.

Global shipping major CMA CGM has signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to build six 1,700 TEU LNG-fuelled feeder container vessels, the Indian government announced.

The vessels will be constructed at CSL’s yard in Kochi and registered under the Indian flag.

The project adds to India’s commercial shipbuilding order book and reflects increasing global confidence in Indian shipyards.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the deal reflects the strength of India–France ties and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India as a leading maritime nation focused on sustainability and global partnerships.

Officials said the contract follows earlier discussions during the Prime Minister’s visit to France, where CMA CGM expressed interest in building vessels in India.

A Letter of Intent was subsequently signed, leading to the finalisation of techno-commercial terms and the formal contract.

Each of the six vessels will have a capacity of 1,700 TEU and will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), supporting greener shipping operations.

The agreement was formalised at an event held in New Delhi in the presence of Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Shantanu Thakur; Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group Rodolphe Saadé; Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS; senior ministry officials; and representatives of the partnering organisations.