CMA CGM has signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited in India to build six dual-fuel liquefied natural gas-powered vessels of 1,700-TEU capacity, reported London's S&P Global.

The order was announced during a visit to New Delhi by CMA CGM executives, who also pledged to recruit 1,500 additional Indian seafarers, adding to the 1,000 already employed by CMA Ships in the country.

CMA CGM chief executive Rodolphe Saade said the deal strengthened a partnership with India that has lasted almost 40 years. He added the carrier would expand its involvement in container manufacturing and ship recycling.

Mr Saade said the agreement aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maritime Vision 2047, which aims to position India as a major maritime nation. He noted CMA CGM was prepared to support new trade corridors such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

CMA CGM has also set up a research and development hub in India in partnership with Capgemini. The centre is tasked with developing next-generation digital and AI-enabled solutions to support the group's global operations.

India has in recent years invested heavily in freight infrastructure modernisation through public-private partnerships, while promoting digital logistics and policy reforms to ease trade processes.