Sonowal highlights Indian-French strategic partnership
India’s ongoing maritime sector reforms are translating into concrete outcomes in shipbuilding and green shipping, with the signing of a contract between global shipping major CMA CGM and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the construction of six 1,700 TEU LNG-fuelled feeder container vessels, signed at an event held in New Delhi on 18 Feb.
Following a series of meetings to finalise vessel specifications, CSL executed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with CMA CGM for the design and construction of six feeder container vessels, each with a capacity of 1,700 TEU and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Under the LoI, CSL and CMA CGM worked towards finalising techno-commercial terms, leading to the formal shipbuilding contract.
The vessels will be constructed by Cochin Shipyard in Kochi and will be registered under the Indian flag. The project adds to India’s commercial shipbuilding order book and reflects increasing global engagement with Indian shipyards under the Government’s policy framework for maritime sector development.
In a message to the signing ceremony, the Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “India and France share a deep and trusted strategic partnership — spanning defence, space cooperation, clean energy and Indo-Pacific maritime security.
“India is advancing with a clear roadmap to become a leading maritime nation, driven by sustainability, innovation and global partnerships. The collaboration between CMA CGM and Cochin Shipyard Limited is a natural extension of this vision into the maritime domain.
“It demonstrates the growing confidence of global maritime leaders in India’s shipbuilding capabilities and reinforces our commitment to building a strong, self-reliant and globally integrated maritime ecosystem.” fiinews.com
