Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center) and French President Emmanuel Macron (left) visit CMA CGM headquarters in Marseille, where they meet Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the Group (right), on February 12, 2025.

The world’s three largest container shipping lines are reflagging vessels under the Indian registry to benefit from local cabotage laws and capitalize on the expanding maritime business along the shores of the world’s most populous nation.

France’s CMA CGM was the first global carrier to make the move this year, registering four container vessels in India following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to CMA CGM’s headquarters in Marseille. In recent days, the company went a step further by unveiling plans to build container ships in India.

Maersk has followed suit. According to the shipping database Equasis, the Maersk Vilnius is now Indian-flagged, while local media report that another vessel, Maersk Vigo, is also in the process of switching registers.

Meanwhile, Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) — the world’s largest container line — is expected to announce plans to reflag several ships under the Indian flag during India Maritime Week, taking place from October 27–31, 2025, in Mumbai.

Commenting on LinkedIn, Dr. Asha Pillai, Chief Strategy Officer at Kochi-based port automation company Docker Vision, said: “Beyond symbolism, each reflagged vessel adds to India’s national tonnage, keeps freight revenue within the country, and creates opportunities for Indian seafarers, ports, and shipmanagement firms. If this momentum continues, it could reshape India’s position in global shipping — turning policy intent into tangible tonnage growth and strategic maritime presence.”

India’s registry drive aligns with the broader maritime ambitions of the Modi administration. The Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to modernize ports, expand coastal and inland waterways, and attract investment in shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime services.

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Edited by: Cofast News Editorial Team (according to Splash247)

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