Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on Wednesday signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global shipping major, CMA CGM, for the production of six LNG-fuelled container ships.
Boasting a capacity of 1,700 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) each, the six LNG-fuelled vessels are said to be the first of their kind commissioned from an Indian shipyard by a major company.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shantanu Thakur; Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, Mr. Rodolphe Saade; Secretary, MoPSW, Vijay Kumar, IAS; senior officials from the shipping ministry; and representatives from partnering organisations.
While addressing the ceremony, Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State for PS&W said that the signing of the contract between CMA CGM and Cochin Shipyard Limited for six 1,700 TEU LNG-fueled feeder vessels marks a defining and proud moment in India’s maritime journey.
— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) February 18, 2026
He… pic.twitter.com/gk5XN6MFg9
The vessels, built by CSL, will also carry the Indian flag, which marks a major achievement for India's maritime sector and reflects the scope of its global engagement.
VIDEO | On contract signing between CMA CGM Group, and Cochin Shipyard, Chairperson of CMA CGM Rodolphe Saadé (@RodolpheSaade) says, "We built container ships in China, and in Korea, and what we believe is, it's good to have an alternative. And therefore, the proposal for small… pic.twitter.com/b2oq1d9nal
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 18, 2026
"The collaboration ... demonstrates the growing confidence of global maritime leaders in India’s shipbuilding capabilities and reinforces our commitment to building a strong, self-reliant and globally integrated maritime ecosystem," said Union Minister, MoPSW, Sarbananda Sonowal, in a message.
Since all six vessels will run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), they are also said to be a major push for India's maritime sustainability goals, in line with its larger goals under Aatmanirbhar India and the Maritime India Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
This comes after the two firms signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) back on October 15, 2025.
#Major milestone for Indian #Shipbuilding.
— Cochin Shipyard Limited (@cslcochin) October 15, 2025
Thank you, CMA CGM for reposing #faith in CSL and for the LoI for six (06) LNG Fuelled 1700 TEU New Generation Feeder Container Vessels - the first such vessels to be built in India.
The new #policy #initiatives of @shipmin_india under… pic.twitter.com/CDddNrbmxl
Following a series of meetings, which included technical support from Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and the finalisation of techno-commercial terms, the formal shipbuilding contract was signed on Wednesday.
CMA CGM has also committed to India's maritime sector in other ways, committing to not just reflagging vessels under the Indian registry, but also hiring as many as 500 Indian seafarers, after reportedly hiring 1,000 last year.
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