CMA CGM has achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of its 400th owned vessel, the CMA CGM Monte Cristo. This methanol-powered container ship, with a capacity of 16,204 TEU, is set to enhance the company’s decarbonization strategy and will commence service on January 29, 2026.
Two CMA CGM vessels have successfully navigated the Suez Canal, indicating a potential easing of disruptions from the Gaza conflict. Since November 2023, shipping companies had been avoiding the canal due to Houthi militant attacks. With a fragile ceasefire in place, shipping operations are gradually returning to normal.
CMA CGM’s INDAMEX service will now transit the Suez Canal for voyages between India/Pakistan and the U.S. East Coast, reducing transit time to 77 days. The CMA CGM Verdi will lead this route on January 15. However, analysts caution that a full return to the Red Sea remains uncertain due to security risks.
Global shipping leaders MSC and Maersk are reflagging vessels to the Indian register, following CMA CGM’s lead. This move leverages India’s cabotage laws, enhancing coastal trade. With plans to construct containerships in India, it aligns with the government’s Maritime India Vision 2030, aimed at modernizing maritime infrastructure and attracting investment.
On September 8, the container ship CMA CGM Mermaid collided with the quay at Muuga port, Estonia, causing significant damage. The vessel, arriving from Kotka, impacted the quay, leading to a substantial portion being removed. Nearby, the bulk carrier Belasitza also suffered bow damage. The extent of damage to the CMA CGM Mermaid remains undisclosed.
The Suez Canal has resumed operations for mega vessels, welcoming the CMA CGM Osiris, which has a capacity of 15,536 TEU. This historic transit marks a turning point, as the canal introduces a 15% rebate to boost traffic. The return of large ships promises to revitalize global shipping operations.
CMA CGM, the French shipping giant, is engaging with Indian shipyards to build LNG-powered container ships, enhancing its presence in India’s maritime sector. The company is also investing $200 million in the Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal and exploring the Vadhavan Port project, while fostering innovation through maritime research hubs across India.
CMA CGM celebrated the arrival of its first Indian-flagged containership, CMA CGM Vitoria, at Nhava Sheva on April 28, 2025. Attended by Minister Shantanu Thakur, this milestone underscores the Group’s commitment to India, enhancing trade connections with a capacity of 2,592 TEU within the BIGEX Network.
CMA CGM Group has officially transferred the CMA CGM Vitoria to the Indian registry, supporting India’s international shipping ambitions. This move requires an Indian crew and classification, aligning with India’s goals to enhance shipping operations and expand its shipbuilding industry. CMA CGM plans to register more vessels in India soon.
ABB and the CMA CGM Group have joined forces to develop a new parametric roll algorithm for enhanced ship safety. By integrating CMA CGM’s theoretical framework with ABB’s Octopus Marine Advisory System, the algorithm aims to reduce the risk of accidents and damage caused by parametric roll, benefiting container ships and RO-Pax vessels.
CMA CGM marks a major milestone in maritime decarbonization with the launch of its first dual-fuel-methanol vessel, the CMA CGM Iron, in Singapore. This move is part of a larger plan to achieve Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2050. The new generation of container ships aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry.
The CMA CGM Group is bolstering its maritime network in the Indian subcontinent and Middle East, supporting trade and economic growth in key regions. Indian Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron visited CMA CGM’s Marseille headquarters, discussing the IMEC project to improve transit between Europe and India.
CMA CGM is revising its fleet steering procedures after the CMA CGM Puccini lost steering control and collided with a navigational beacon in Melbourne’s Yarra River. An investigation revealed that a hydraulic valve was improperly left open, and the crew’s limited understanding of steering hydraulics contributed to the incident.
During a state visit to France, Indian PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron met with Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of CMA CGM, to discuss the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. CMA CGM, a global maritime and logistics company, plays a key role in enhancing connectivity between India and Europe, with a focus on sustainability and decarbonization efforts.
The ATSB report on the CMA CGM Puccini incident in Melbourne revealed crew’s lack of proficiency in steering gear operation caused the ship to hit a navigation beacon. Inadequate training and unclear procedures led to a hydraulic malfunction, resulting in the collision. The importance of clear instructions and proper training was emphasized to prevent future accidents.
