MSC and Maersk Follow CMA CGM in Reflagging Ships to Indian Flag

The world's three largest container shipping giants — MSC, Maersk and CMA CGM — are preparing to reflag their vessels under the Indian flag to capitalize on the country's cabotage laws and rapidly expanding coastal trade.

This strategic move aligns directly with India's "Maritime India Vision 2030" plan, which aims to strengthen the country's maritime sector on the global stage.

CMA CGM Led the Way, MSC and Maersk Follow

In early 2025, French carrier CMA CGM became the first global liner company to take this step by registering four vessels with the Indian Register.

This decision came following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to CMA CGM's headquarters in Marseille.

CMA CGM has since taken a step further, announcing plans to build container vessels in India — a development viewed as potentially positioning India's shipbuilding industry in the international league.

Maersk: First Vessels Registered

According to maritime database Equasis, Maersk Vilnius is now operating under the Indian flag.

Local sources report that a second vessel, Maersk Vigo, is also undergoing the reflagging process.

This move will give Copenhagen-based Maersk direct access to cabotage operations in Indian waters.

Under India's cabotage regulations, only Indian-flagged vessels have priority rights in domestic cargo transportation.

MSC's Move Expected During India Maritime Week

MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), the world's largest container line, is expected to make a similar announcement during India Maritime Week, scheduled for next week.
The company is anticipated to register some of its vessels with the Indian Register, both to strengthen its presence in the local trade network and to contribute to the country's tonnage capacity.

Reflagging: Economic and Strategic Impact

Dr. Asha Pillai, Strategy Director at Docker Vision, a port automation firm, evaluated this development on LinkedIn as follows:

"This is not merely a symbolic move.
Each re-registered vessel increases India's national tonnage, keeps freight revenue within the country, and creates new opportunities for Indian seafarers, ports, and ship management companies."

Pillai emphasized that if this momentum continues, India's position in global maritime transportation will be reshaped, with policy objectives translating into concrete tonnage growth and strategic maritime presence.

Maritime India Vision 2030: Strategic Background

The Indian government's "Maritime India Vision 2030" plan aims to comprehensively transform the country's maritime sector.
The plan's main pillars include:

• Port modernization and digitalization,

• Expansion of coastal and inland waterways,

• Investment in shipbuilding and maintenance industries,

• Increasing the global appeal of the Indian Register.

This strategy aims to position India as a regional maritime hub and as a strong logistics player in intra-Asian trade networks.

Conclusion: India Charting Course as New Maritime Center

The reflagging of vessels by global majors such as MSC, Maersk and CMA CGM is profoundly transforming India's cabotage market and maritime ecosystem.

These moves have the potential to invigorate a broad economic chain spanning local employment, port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and maritime services.

In line with its 2030 vision, India is now advancing towards becoming one of the centers not only for cargo traffic but also for maritime tonnage and ship management.

Key Takeaways:

• CMA CGM initiated the process by registering four vessels with the Indian Register.

• Maersk reflagged Maersk Vilnius to the Indian flag; Maersk Vigo is in the process.

• MSC is expected to announce a similar move at India Maritime Week 2025.

• Reflagging will increase India's national tonnage and local maritime revenue.

• Dr. Asha Pillai: "Each Indian-flagged vessel represents employment growth and increased strategic capacity."

• Maritime India Vision 2030 focuses on port modernization, shipbuilding, and cabotage development.

• This trend has the potential to establish India as a new logistics center in Asian maritime trade.

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News Source: https://splash247.com/msc-and-maersk-join-cma-cgm-in-moving-tonnage-to-india/

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