Cochin Shipyard bags landmark CMA CGM Order, Marking India’s Entry into Global Boxship Construction
NEW DELHI: India’s ambitions to emerge as a global shipbuilding powerhouse have received a major boost, with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) securing its first-ever international order for ocean-going containerships. The milestone marks a turning point in the country’s drive to position itself among the world’s leading shipbuilding nations.
In a regulatory filing, Cochin Shipyard confirmed the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) on October 14 with a “prominent European client”, describing it as a mega order valued between $225 million and $300 million. Though the client was not officially named, media reports have identified the buyer as French shipping giant CMA CGM.
This development follows a series of high-level engagements between CMA CGM and Indian authorities. Earlier this year, CMA CGM Group Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in France to discuss cooperation in shipbuilding and maritime development. Subsequent discussions in India led to CMA CGM reflagging some of its vessels under the Indian flag—beginning with the CMA CGM Vitoria in April 2025, a first for a major international carrier.
Under the agreement, Cochin Shipyard will design and construct six LNG-powered feeder container vessels, each with a capacity of 1,700 TEUs. While the construction timeline is yet to be disclosed, reports suggest that these vessels could also be registered under the Indian flag.
Cochin Shipyard, India’s largest shipbuilder, has a strong record in defence and specialised vessel construction. It built INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously designed aircraft carrier, and is currently executing international contracts for Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) with North Star and Pelagic Wind Services. The shipyard recently entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with South Korea’s HD Hyundai, aimed at advancing its commercial shipbuilding capabilities.
India currently ranks 16th globally in shipbuilding, but the government has laid out an ambitious roadmap to enter the top 10 by 2030 and top 5 by 2047. To achieve this, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has rolled out a series of fiscal incentives and policy measures to promote domestic shipbuilding and repair clusters.
The government has also held discussions with global majors Maersk and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, showcasing India’s growing capacity in shipbuilding and maintenance. With Cochin Shipyard’s landmark order now on record, industry analysts believe this could pave the way for more international collaborations and large-scale orders in the near future.