- CMA CGM reflags CMA CGM Phoenix under the U.S. flag in Charleston, making it the largest American-flagged containership at 9,300 TEU.
- The move is part of CMA CGM’s $20 billion investment to expand its U.S.-flagged fleet and support maritime jobs, security, and training.
- The vessel will operate on the INDAMEX service, connecting the U.S. East Coast with South Asia while also serving as a training platform for maritime cadets.
CMA CGM marked a significant moment in U.S. maritime history with the official reflagging of the CMA CGM Phoenix under the American flag during a ceremony in Charleston, South Carolina. With a capacity of 9,300 TEU, the Neo-Panamax vessel becomes the largest containership ever to sail under the U.S. flag. Originally registered in Singapore, the vessel is now a powerful symbol of the renewed focus on rebuilding America’s commercial fleet.
Vessel Specifications and American Employment Impact
The CMA CGM Phoenix measures 1,079 feet in length and 151 feet in width, with a gross tonnage of 110,000 GT and a summer deadweight of approximately 130,000 tons. It will be manned by 42 American mariners working in rotation, with 21 crew members onboard at any time, boosting employment in the U.S. maritime sector.
National Significance and Strategic Value
Acting Maritime Administrator Sang Yi emphasized that this move goes beyond fleet numbers — it supports American jobs, national security, and economic resilience. The reflagging is a part of a broader maritime revitalization strategy to reduce reliance on foreign carriers and ensure secure supply chains for critical U.S. operations, including Department of Defense sealift needs during times of conflict.
Cadet Training and Operational Role
The vessel will also function as a maritime training platform, hosting two cadets per voyage from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and state maritime academies. Operating on CMA CGM’s INDAMEX service, it will connect major ports on the U.S. East Coast with Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, enhancing global trade routes and providing learning opportunities for future maritime officers.
CMA CGM’s Broader U.S. Investment Plan
CMA CGM America CEO Adeline Franger Chouraqui highlighted the company’s commitment to U.S. maritime strength. The CMA CGM Phoenix is the first of four new vessels being reflagged in 2025, making up 20% of CMA CGM’s pledge to triple its U.S.-flagged fleet to 30 vessels by 2029. This effort is part of a $20 billion investment announced in March, focused on enhancing U.S. shipping, port infrastructure, and logistics capabilities.
U.S.-Flagged Fleet Expansion and National Role
With the inclusion of the CMA CGM Phoenix, the U.S.-flagged fleet now includes 189 vessels spanning tankers, containerships, bulk carriers, and vehicle transporters. These ships are essential for maintaining a secure maritime network that supports national defense and U.S. trade independence.
CMA CGM’s U.S. Footprint and Operational Reach
Since its original launch in 2013, the CMA CGM Phoenix now becomes the 11th U.S.-flagged vessel in the company’s fleet. CMA CGM operates in 40 states, employs over 15,000 Americans, and moves more than 5 million containers annually through U.S. ports — underlining its long-term commitment to American shipping and logistics.
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Source: gCaptain
