FCC

India, CMA CGM Boost Maritime Ties in Marseille Visit

2025-06-16

Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), visited the global headquarters of CMA CGM in Marseille, France, on 12 June 2025. The visit builds on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2025 trip to France, during which maritime sector growth and global partnerships were highlighted as key focus areas.

During the meeting with CMA CGM’s senior leadership, the Secretary reviewed the Group’s expanding footprint in India across shipping, shipbuilding, container terminals, multimodal logistics, and maritime industrial development. CMA CGM detailed the progress of its India Strategy, structured around five pillars: expanding Indian-flagged vessels, collaborating in shipbuilding, developing inland logistics, investing in maritime infrastructure, and driving innovation.

Significant milestones include the launch of CC VITORIA and CC Manaus, the Group’s first Indian-flagged vessels, and the formation of a new Indian shipping entity at GIFT City, Gujarat. On the shipbuilding front, CMA CGM is in advanced talks with Indian yards for LNG-powered container ships.

The Group is also advancing a USD 200 million expansion at Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal and remains actively involved in the upcoming Vadhavan Port project. CMA CGM expressed interest in India's ship recycling industry, particularly in Alang, and plans to source containers and green steel from India in support of global sustainability objectives.

CMA CGM already employs over 2,200 digital professionals in India and is evaluating the setup of R&D and innovation hubs across major Indian cities.

The CMA CGM delegation included Patrice Bergamini, Diplomatic Advisor to the Group CEO; Camille Andrews, CEO’s Office; Ludovic Renou, Global Shipping Network Head; Atit Mahajan, MD, CMA CGM India; Antoine Canton, Project Manager, India Initiatives; and Agatha Bonnin, Public Affairs Specialist.

The visit furthered discussions on strengthening the India-Europe maritime corridor, reflecting India’s rising stature in global shipping and its commitment to long-term port and maritime growth through international collaboration.