CMA CGM’s Indian-Flagged Ship Signals a New Era for Maritime Trade

A Watershed Moment for India’s Shipping Industry

On April 28, 2025, the CMA CGM Vitoria docked at Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal—marking a historic first. As the maiden Indian-flagged containership operated by a major foreign carrier, its arrival was celebrated with a high-profile ceremony attended by Honourable Minister Shri Shantanu Thakur and hosted by CMA CGM India’s General Manager, Atit Mahajan. The event drew officials from India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, JNPA, and other key stakeholders, underscoring the vessel’s significance in India’s maritime ambitions.

“This isn’t just a ship—it’s a symbol of India’s growing role in global trade,” said Mahajan during the event.

Bigger Networks, Stronger Connections

The CMA CGM Vitoria isn’t just a flag-waving exercise. With a capacity of 2592 TEU, the vessel is a workhorse on the BIGEX Network, linking India’s busiest ports—Nhava Sheva and Mundra—to the Gulf and Red Sea on a weekly basis. But this is only the beginning. CMA CGM plans to register three more vessels under the Indian flag, cementing its commitment to the region. Notably, the company is also the first foreign shipping line to register a containerized vessel at Gujarat’s GIFT City, a strategic hub for global finance and logistics.

Decades of Investment Paying Off

CMA CGM’s roots in India run deep. After 34 years of operations and a workforce of 17,000, the company now offers 19 weekly maritime services, backed by heavy investments in port infrastructure at Nhava Sheva Freeport and Mundra Port. Its subsidiary, CEVA Logistics, further extends its reach with 105 sites across 31 Indian cities, managing a staggering 900,000 sqm of warehouse space. The 2023 acquisition of Stellar VCS only amplified CEVA’s contract logistics capabilities, positioning the group as a dominant force in India’s supply chain ecosystem.

“India isn’t just a market—it’s a partner in shaping the future of trade,” remarked a senior CMA CGM executive.

Why This Matters

The CMA CGM Vitoria isn’t just another ship. It’s a statement—one that signals India’s rising clout in global shipping and the confidence of foreign players in its regulatory framework. With more vessels on the way and a sprawling logistics network, CMA CGM is betting big on India’s growth. And if this launch is any indication, that bet is already paying off.