CMA CGM orders six LNG dual-fuel vessels from Cochin Shipyard, enhancing its partnership with India and committing to recruit more seafarers.
CMA CGM has signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited in India to build six dual-fuel liquefied natural gas-powered vessels of 1,700-TEU capacity, reported London's S&P Global.
The order was announced during a visit to New Delhi by CMA CGM executives, who also pledged to recruit 1,500 additional Indian seafarers, adding to the 1,000 already employed by CMA Ships in the country.
CMA CGM chief executive Rodolphe Saade stated that the deal strengthens a partnership with India that has lasted almost 40 years. He added that the carrier would expand its involvement in container manufacturing and ship recycling.
Mr. Saade mentioned that the agreement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maritime Vision 2047, which aims to position India as a major maritime nation. He noted that CMA CGM is prepared to support new trade corridors such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
CMA CGM has also established a research and development hub in India in partnership with Capgemini. The center is tasked with developing next-generation digital and AI-enabled solutions to support the group's global operations.
In recent years, India has invested heavily in freight infrastructure modernization through public-private partnerships while promoting digital logistics and policy reforms to ease trade processes.
