JUNE 14: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s global maritime partnerships, Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), visited the headquarters of CMA CGM in Marseille, France, on 12th June 2025. This high-level meeting follows Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s interaction with CMA CGM leadership earlier this year during his visit to France, where India’s expanding maritime sector was a key focus.
During the visit, Shri Ramachandran held detailed discussions with senior executives of the CMA CGM Group, who presented an update on their growing operations in India. CMA CGM outlined the progress made under its India Strategy, which is built on five primary pillars: expansion of the Indian-flagged fleet, collaboration in shipbuilding, inland logistics development, maritime industrial investments, and technological innovation.
CMA CGM highlighted several recent developments, including the launch of its first Indian-flagged vessels, CC VITORIA and CC Manaus, and the establishment of a new Indian shipping entity at GIFT City, Gujarat. The company is actively negotiating with Indian shipbuilders to develop LNG-powered container vessels, aligning with the global shift towards greener shipping technologies.
Significant investments are also underway in India’s port infrastructure. CMA CGM is progressing with a $200 million expansion at the Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal and is actively participating in the development of the ambitious Vadhavan Port project. These projects are expected to boost India’s cargo handling capacity and strengthen its role in international trade.
Further, CMA CGM expressed keen interest in India’s ship recycling sector, particularly in Alang, Gujarat, and is exploring opportunities to source containers and green steel domestically, supporting India’s and global sustainability goals. The company also employs over 2,200 digital professionals in India and is evaluating the creation of multiple maritime R&D and innovation hubs across major Indian cities.
The delegation from CMA CGM included several top leaders, including Patrice Bergamini, Diplomatic Advisor to the Group CEO, along with Camille Andrews, Ludovic Renou, Atit Mahajan, Antoine Canton, and Agatha Bonnin.
This visit marked an important step in deepening India-Europe maritime cooperation and reflected India’s growing stature in global shipping, logistics, and industrial innovation. The engagement further supports India’s long-term vision for an integrated, sustainable, and globally competitive port and shipping sector.