India's maritime reforms have yielded a new order in domestic shipbuilding with CMA CGM and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) signing a contract for six liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuelled feeder container vessels in New Delhi. The vessels each have a capacity of 1,700 TEU and will be constructed at CSL in Kochi. The agreement was presented as evidence of growing global confidence in Indian shipyards under the Government's maritime policy framework. Officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and representatives of both organisations attended the signing ceremony.

The companies completed a Letter of Intent and subsequent technical and commercial negotiations to finalise the shipbuilding contract. The vessels are planned to be registered under the Indian flag and to add to the country’s commercial shipbuilding order book. The project was described by ministers and officials as aligned with a national roadmap to strengthen shipbuilding, sustainability and international partnerships. The arrangement follows high level strategic engagement between Indian leadership and CMA CGM representatives.

Government representatives conveyed that the collaboration reflects broader bilateral ties and prior visits that included engagement at the CMA CGM headquarters, which helped to catalyse interest in flagging and constructing vessels in India. The ministries noted that the initiative is expected to support domestic industrial capability, create skilled employment and foster technology transfer in green shipping. The choice of liquefied natural gas as fuel was presented as part of a transition strategy towards lower emissions in feeder operations. The shipbuilding work will be carried out at the Kochi yard under agreed technical specifications.

The contract is intended to reinforce India’s aim to become a leading maritime nation by integrating sustainability, innovation and global partnerships within its shipbuilding sector. Officials indicated that the deal represents a tangible outcome of government policy and international engagement and could encourage further orders from global maritime operators. CSL and CMA CGM will proceed to implement the construction programme according to the agreed schedule. Observers expect the project to raise the profile of Indian yards in global supply chains.