Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s quest to become a global shipbuilding leader by securing its inaugural international order for ocean-going container vessels. On October 14, CSL signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with a prominent European shipping firm, reportedly CMA CGM, valued between $225 million and $300 million. A formal shipbuilding contract is anticipated soon.
This agreement follows strategic discussions earlier in the year, where CMA CGM CEO Rodolphe Saadé met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in France, highlighting potential Indo-French collaboration in maritime manufacturing. These discussions led to CMA CGM’s decision to reflag vessels under the Indian registry, including the notable CMA CGM Vitoria.
Under the new order, CSL will design and construct six LNG-powered feeder container ships, each with a capacity of 1,700 TEUs. While delivery timelines are not yet confirmed, the vessels may be registered under the Indian flag, supporting the government’s efforts to enhance the maritime sector.
As India’s largest shipbuilder, CSL aims to diversify further into commercial shipbuilding, bolstered by government incentives. Analysts predict that this landmark order could stimulate interest from other global shipping companies, positioning India as a competitive player in the shipbuilding industry.
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