Kochi: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has won a major global contract from CMA CGM Group, the world’s third-largest cargo shipping company, to construct six state-of-the-art LNG-powered container ships.

The contract, valued at around ₹3,000 crore, was formally signed by representatives of both parties. The ships are expected to be delivered between 2029 and 2031.

This marks the first time that a global company like CMA CGM has entrusted an Indian shipyard with building LNG-fueled cargo vessels. All six ships will be registered under the Indian flag.

Each vessel will measure 20 feet and have a capacity to carry 1,700 containers, highlighting a focus on environmentally friendly, green shipping solutions. CMA CGM chose Cochin Shipyard as part of its drive to advance sustainable shipping. The LNG-powered ships are designed to operate on low-carbon fuels, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting the Group’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050, the company stated.

The project at Cochin Shipyard will also be run with the technical cooperation of Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, it said adding this initiative underscores CMA CGM's strong commitment to India's maritime vision and strategic national priorities, including Make-in-India1 and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

CMA CGM will reflag four vessels under the Indian registry in 2025 and aims to recruit 1,000 Indian seafarers by the end of the year. In 2026, the company said it plans to hire an additional 500 Indian seafarers.

CMA CGM Group Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saade said India is a strategic country for the group where it invests, trains, and innovates. Beyond shipbuilding, the company is also strengthening its partnerships in logistics, maritime training, and sustainable transport to support India's growth and contribute to the decarbonization of global trade, he added.

"CMA CGM has chosen CSL to be part of this landmark initiative. CSL is committed to deliver high quality vessels with sustainable solutions to meet the market expectation of the future shipping. This project is also of great significance to CSL as we are collaborating with the largest shipbuilding group HD KSOE as the major partner, which further reinforces our commitment to bring the best in class solutions through partnerships, to serve clients across the globe," said Madhu S Nair, CMD of Cochin Shipyard. PTI