CMA CGM finalizes 6-unit-strong LNG vessel order, launches R&D hub in India

February 19, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

French shipping and logistics major CMA CGM Group has signed the final shipbuilding contract with India’s Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for six LNG-powered containerships.

The newbuilds, for which a letter of intent (LOI) was signed in October 2025, will have a capacity of 1,700 TEUs, will be able to run on LNG and will be ready for low-carbon fuels. The vessels will be delivered from 2029 to 2031, in line with the group’s fleet renewal and energy transition strategy.

The contract signing took place during CMG CGM’s leadership visit to New Delhi, where the French major also announced its plans to onboard 1,500 Indian seafarers by the end of 2026, in addition to the already recruited 1,000.

CMA CGM noted that it was actively exploring opportunities to partner with key stakeholders across India on initiatives designed to strengthen the country’s container manufacturing capabilities, promote sustainable ship recycling and support the development of domestic container shipping. The company has, in partnership with Capgemini, established a dedicated Research & Development (R&D) hub in India, which will be focused on developing next-generation digital and AI-enabled solutions that support its worldwide operations.

“I am pleased to be in India to deepen the strategic partnership, which has linked CMA CGM and India for nearly four decades. Today [February 18], we are strengthening our shipbuilding cooperation with Cochin Shipyard through the signing of six LNG-powered container vessels,” said Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group.

“At the same time, we are looking to expand our engagement in container manufacturing and ship recycling. This is fully aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s Maritime Vision 2047 to position India as a major maritime nation. As corridors such as India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) develop, connecting India to the Middle East and Europe, CMA CGM stands ready to contribute to this new phase of global trade.”