CMA CGM could become the first major shipping line to build container ships in India, after the country committed to developing its shipbuilding sector through multi-billion dollar investments in modernization and capacity expansion.
According to reports, the French shipping line plans to order three feeder-size ships, likely with dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion, from Cochin Shipyard, as reported by Alphaliner.
Although the shipyard has no prior experience in building container ships, it secured two orders from the European short-sea shipping and logistics company Samskip in early 2023.
By the end of this year and in 2026, Cochin is scheduled to deliver two 730 TEU ships powered by hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, intended for regional routes in Northwest Europe.
Recently, CMA CGM made news by changing the registry of the vessels CMA CGM Diamond (3,700 TEU), CMA CGM Vitoria (2,592 TEU), and CMA CGM Manaus (2,592 TEU) to the Indian registry. These three units now form the fleet for the service between West India and the Middle East called Bigex.
Earlier this year, Cochin Shipyard signed an agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries, through which the Korean partner will collaborate with the Indian shipyard in areas such as quality standards, staff training, procurement, and ship design.
The new CMA CGM ships that have not yet been commissioned in India may be designed by Mipo, the specialized shipyard of the HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering group for medium-tonnage vessels.
