CMA CGM announced that it has signed a letter of intent for the construction of six dual-fuel, methanol and LNG containerships, at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) shipyard in India. According to the CMA CGM announcement, this strategic move makes the group the first large-scale one to place an order for methanol-fueled ships at an Indian shipyard. It is noteworthy that all six will fly the Indian flag.
The aforementioned newbuilds, with a capacity of 1,700 TEUs each, align with the company’s sustainability strategy, with the long-term goal of the complete decarbonization of the group by 2050. This specific project at the Cochin shipyard will also proceed with the technical cooperation of the South Korean group HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
This initiative is part of CMA CGM’s commitment to supporting India, in its effort to (re)generate its shipping industry. It is noted that the group in question has proceeded with significant investments in a multitude of activities within the country’s shipping industry. In fact, CMA CGM will reflag four vessels to the Indian registry in 2025 and aims to hire 1,000 Indian seafarers by the end of the year. In 2026, CMA CGM plans to hire an additional 500 Indian seafarers.
