Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s maritime industry by securing its first-ever international order for ocean-going container vessels.
The company has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with French shipping giant CMA CGM to design and construct six liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered feeder container vessels, each with a capacity of approximately 1,700 TEUs.
This deal, valued at around $300 million (₹2,000 crore), underscores India’s growing prominence in the global shipbuilding sector.
The vessels will be constructed at CSL’s facilities in Kochi, Kerala, and are expected to be delivered between 2029 and 2031. They will be registered under the Indian flag, marking a significant step in the nation’s efforts to bolster its maritime capabilities.
This order is particularly notable as it is the first time a major international shipping line has commissioned container ships from an Indian shipyard.
CMA CGM’s decision to partner with CSL highlights the company’s confidence in India’s shipbuilding expertise and aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
The vessels will be powered by LNG, a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels, aligning with global trends toward sustainable shipping solutions. Additionally, the ships will be prepared for the use of low-carbon fuels, supporting CMA CGM’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Following the announcement, CSL’s shares saw a positive uptick, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s capabilities and the potential for future growth. The order also adds to CSL’s growing order book, which includes various domestic and international projects.
This development marks a turning point for India’s shipbuilding industry, demonstrating the nation’s ability to meet international standards and compete in the global maritime market.
With the support of the Indian government and strategic partnerships with global players like CMA CGM, CSL is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of sustainable shipping.
Cochin Shipyard Limited, a Miniratna Category-I Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has a diverse portfolio including commercial vessels, defense platforms, and offshore structures.
The company has been a key contributor to the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by delivering technologically advanced vessels for domestic and international clients.
Its expansion into green shipping, including LNG-fueled vessels and electric ferries, underscores CSL’s commitment to sustainable maritime solutions.
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