In a strategic move aligning with the Indian government’s vision to position the country as a major force in international shipping, CMA CGM Group has officially transferred its 2,592 TEU containership, CMA CGM Vitoria, to the Indian registry. This milestone reflects a growing global confidence in India’s maritime potential, especially as the country seeks to expand its shipbuilding capabilities, enhance port infrastructure, and create more opportunities for Indian seafarers. The vessel, previously sailing under the Maltese flag, was reflagged while docked at the Nhava Sheva Freeport terminal on April 28. This transition mandates that the vessel be crewed by Indian nationals and classified under the Indian Register of Shipping—reinforcing the government’s push to grow a skilled maritime workforce. CMA CGM’s move comes after it hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi at its global headquarters in February, where discussions were held about deeper collaboration in India. The company, already invested in key Indian terminals at Nhava Sheva and Mundra, is now expanding its local operations by establishing a crew management office in Mumbai and setting up an Indian subsidiary to facilitate vessel transfers. The reflagging of CMA CGM Vitoria is the first of several planned, with CMA CGM Manaus and three additional vessels expected to follow suit. While India still faces regulatory and financing challenges for fleet owners, initiatives like these signal a shift toward more localized maritime operations and increased private sector participation. CMA CGM’s long-standing 34-year presence in India, with 19 weekly maritime services connecting Indian ports to global trade lanes, positions it as a key player in shaping the next phase of India’s shipping future.
