CMA CGM to Register Sixth Vessel Under Indian Flag Amid Regulatory Changes

CMA CGM is set to register the 'CMA CGM Semarang,' a 2007 feeder container ship, under the Indian flag, expanding its fleet to six vessels. The Indian government's new age norms for vessel registration, effective from January 21, 2026, limit foreign ships over 20 years old from obtaining licenses under the Coastal Shipping Act, heightening demand for Indian-flagged vessels.

Following a rollback of cabotage waivers allowing foreign ships to operate without licensing, CMA CGM and other shipping lines are incentivized to flag their vessels locally to maintain operational continuity. The upper age limit for Indian-flagged container ships is 30 years, with provisions allowing operation beyond this under certain conditions. CMA CGM has also signed a $360 million contract with Cochin Shipyard Ltd for six LNG-powered ships, further solidifying its investment in India.