NEW DELHI: Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) on Wednesday signed a $360 million shipbuilding contract with French delivery and logistics large CMA CGM to fabricate six LNG-powered container ships, every with a 1,700 TEU capability.
The deal marks the primary order for “Made in India” container ships awarded to an Indian shipyard. The vessels will probably be constructed at CSL’s present facility in Kerala, utilizing designs offered by South Korea.
Cochin Shipyard chairman and managing director Jose V. J. mentioned the primary ship beneath the contract will probably be delivered in 36 months, with subsequent ships arriving at six-month intervals, two vessels per 12 months.
“That is first set of container ship orders positioned with an Indian shipyard. We might have a look at extra shipbuilding in India as soon as CSL is able to construct larger ships than the 1,700 TEU container ships made now,” mentioned Rodolphe Saade, chairman and chief govt, CMA CGM.
Saade added that past shipbuildingthe corporate is exploring alternatives throughout India, together with developing new port terminals, increasing logistics operations, and constructing bigger vessels.
“There may be room for a 3rd nation after China and Korea to strengthen their presence within the maritime phase. And India is greatest suited to take up that place,” Saade mentioned.
“That is totally aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s Maritime Imaginative and prescient 2047 to place India as a serious maritime nation. As corridors reminiscent of India-Center East-Europe Financial Hall (IMEC) develop, connecting India to the Center East and Europe, CMA CGM stands able to contribute to this new part of world commerce,” Saade mentioned.
CMA CGM can be dedicated to human capital growth in India. By way of CMA SHIPS, the group has recruited 1,000 Indian seafarers, with plans to onboard 1,500 by the top of 2026, additional strengthening its position within the international maritime workforce.
Constructing on this strategic milestone, CMA CGM is actively exploring partnerships with key stakeholders in India to spice up container manufacturing, promote sustainable ship recycling, and assist home container delivery growth.