CMA CGM explores entry into India’s inland waterway logistics
CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container shipping company, is exploring a strategic expansion into India’s inland waterway logistics ecosystem. This potential move indicates the French liner’s growing interest in strengthening its footprint beyond traditional sea transport, as it evaluates opportunities to operate barges and river-based cargo services across the country’s expanding inland water network.
India has been aggressively enhancing its maritime and shipbuilding capabilities, creating a promising environment for global shipping leaders. Earlier this year, CMA CGM reinforced its long-term commitment to the country by placing a landmark order with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for six LNG dual-fuel container vessels. This investment highlights not only the company’s focus on technological advancement and sustainability but also India’s rising profile as a world-class shipbuilding hub.
The company has also emphasized the transformative potential of the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra. With its deep-draft design and global-scale infrastructure, Vadhavan is expected to elevate India into what CMA CGM describes as the global maritime premier league. The port’s advanced connectivity and capacity could make it a major enabler for high-volume international trade, aligning India with leading global maritime centres.
If CMA CGM proceeds with inland waterway services, it could unlock new multimodal corridors across the country. Such corridors would provide industries with more economical and environmentally friendly cargo movement options, helping reduce logistics costs while supporting India’s sustainability goals. These services would also ease pressure on congested highways and railway routes, allowing smoother cargo movement from interior manufacturing hubs to major seaports.
By integrating inland waterways with its existing maritime network, CMA CGM has the potential to reshape India’s logistics landscape. The move could create a more seamless, greener, and highly efficient multimodal transport ecosystem benefiting industry, boosting trade competitiveness, and further strengthening India’s maritime ambitions.
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