Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Meets with CMA CGM Leadership
Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), recently visited CMA CGM’s global headquarters in Marseille, France, on June 12, 2025. This visit followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s significant discussions with CMA CGM during his official trip to France earlier this year, where the focus was on India’s expanding maritime sector and international collaborations. During his visit, Ramachandran engaged with CMA CGM executives to discuss the company’s growth and strategic initiatives in India.
Engagement with CMA CGM Leadership
During his visit, Secretary Ramachandran met with senior executives from the CMA CGM Group. The discussions centered on the company’s increasing operations in India, which encompass shipping, shipbuilding, container terminals, multimodal logistics, and maritime industrial capabilities. CMA CGM’s leadership provided insights into their India Strategy, which is built on five key pillars: expanding the Indian-flagged fleet, collaborating on shipbuilding, developing inland logistics, investing in maritime industries, and fostering innovation. This strategic framework aims to enhance CMA CGM’s presence in India and strengthen the country’s maritime infrastructure.
Shipping Initiatives and Investments
CMA CGM has made significant strides in its shipping initiatives, including the launch of its first Indian-flagged vessels, CC VITORIA and CC Manaus. Additionally, the company has established a new Indian shipping entity in GIFT City, Gujarat. In the realm of shipbuilding, CMA CGM is in advanced discussions with Indian shipbuilding firms to develop LNG-powered container vessels. The company is also progressing with major investments in port and inland infrastructure, including a $200 million expansion at the Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal and participation in the Vadhavan Port project. These initiatives are expected to bolster India’s maritime capabilities and enhance its position in global shipping.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation
CMA CGM expressed a keen interest in India’s ship recycling ecosystem, particularly in Alang, and is prepared to source containers and green steel from India to align with global sustainability goals. The company currently employs over 2,200 digital professionals in India and is exploring the establishment of maritime research and development hubs in key cities across the country. This focus on innovation and sustainability reflects CMA CGM’s commitment to contributing to India’s maritime sector while adhering to environmental standards.
Strengthening India-Europe Maritime Ties
The visit provided a platform for both parties to exchange views on the evolving maritime landscape and explore potential synergies for enhanced connectivity and innovation within the India-Europe corridor. Secretary Ramachandran’s engagement in Marseille underscores India’s growing collaboration with global maritime players and the ongoing dialogue with industry leaders. This collaboration supports India’s long-term vision for port and shipping development, aiming to position the country as a key player in the global maritime industry.
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