Marking a major milestone for India’s maritime sector, the CMA CGM Group welcomed the arrival of CMA CGM Vitoria, the first Indian-flagged containership registered by a major foreign carrier, at the Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT) on April 28, 2025.
Historic Event in the Presence of Key Dignitaries
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Shri Shantanu Thakur, Honourable Minister of State for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, alongside senior officials from the Directorate General of Shipping, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), diplomats, and CMA CGM executives.
Mr. Atit Mahajan, General Manager of CMA CGM India, hosted the event.
About CMA CGM Vitoria and the BIGEX Network
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Capacity: 2,592 TEU
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Service: Part of CMA CGM’s BIGEX Network, connecting India directly with the Gulf and Red Sea regions.
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Weekly Ports of Call: Nhava Sheva and Mundra
CMA CGM plans to register three additional vessels under the Indian flag in the coming months, strengthening its long-term commitment to Indian maritime operations.
Pioneering at GIFT City and Strategic Expansion in India
In another first, CMA CGM has also become the first foreign shipping company to register a container vessel at India’s GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec) City, reflecting its strategic alignment with India’s economic and regulatory advancements.
The Group has been operating in India for 34 years, employing over 17,000 personnel, and runs 19 weekly maritime services that link India to global markets.
Infrastructure and Logistics Investment
CMA CGM continues to expand its port infrastructure portfolio in India, with active investments at NSFT (Nhava Sheva) and Mundra Port.
Its logistics arm, CEVA Logistics, has operations in 31 Indian cities across 105 sites, overseeing 900,000 m² of warehouse space. The 2023 acquisition of Stellar VCS further bolstered its position in India’s contract logistics market.
The arrival of CMA CGM Vitoria and the Group’s broader initiatives signal a strong commitment to India’s port-led growth strategy, maritime self-reliance, and international trade expansion.
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Source: MARINE LINK
