India's maritime growth highlighted at CMA CGM France

New Delhi

T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, visited the global headquarters of CMA CGM in Marseille, France, to showcase India’s expanding maritime sector. This visit followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with CMA CGM during his France trip in February.

During the visit, Secretary Ramachandran met top CMA CGM executives and discussed the company’s growing operations in India, including shipping, shipbuilding, terminals, logistics, and maritime investments. The CMA CGM team shared updates on their India Strategy, built around five key areas: expanding Indian-flagged vessels, boosting shipbuilding ties, enhancing inland logistics, investing in maritime infrastructure, and driving innovation.

So far, the company has launched two Indian-flagged vessels—CC Vitoria and CC Manaus—and set up a new shipping unit at GIFT City, Gujarat. Discussions are ongoing with Indian firms to build LNG-powered container ships. Major infrastructure projects include a $200 million expansion at Nhava Sheva Freeport and involvement in the Vadhavan Port project.

CMA CGM also showed interest in India’s ship recycling industry, particularly Alang, and plans to source containers and green steel locally to meet sustainability goals. With over 2,200 digital professionals in India, the group is exploring maritime R&D and innovation hubs in major Indian cities.

The ministry said this visit allowed both sides to share insights on the global maritime landscape and deepen cooperation, particularly along the India-Europe corridor. The engagement reflects India’s commitment to working with international partners to support long-term growth in ports, shipping, and maritime innovation.