India’s maritime registry is emerging as a new focal point for global shipping as Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Maersk, and CMA CGM — the world’s three largest container carriers — shift parts of their fleets under the Indian flag. The transition reflects the growing appeal of India’s reformed cabotage laws, expanding coastal trade, and government efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime and shipbuilding sectors.
CMA CGM was the first to make the move, registering four vessels and announcing plans to construct container ships in India. Maersk followed with the Maersk Vilnius and Maersk Vigo now flying the Indian flag, while MSC is expected to finalise its entry shortly. Each reflagged vessel contributes to increasing India’s national tonnage, retaining freight revenues domestically, and generating employment for Indian seafarers, port workers, and maritime service providers.
The reflagging momentum aligns with New Delhi’s broader maritime vision, which seeks to expand domestic shipping, modernise ports, and boost shipbuilding capabilities. Through initiatives such as the Sagarmala Programme and the Maritime India Vision 2030, the government aims to promote investment in vessel construction, improve logistics efficiency, and enhance coastal and inland waterway transport.
Policy reforms have also focused on sustainability and clean energy. Under its Net Zero Vision, India plans to reduce carbon emissions per tonne of cargo by 30 percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2047. Measures to achieve this include the launch of green shipping corridors with Singapore and Rotterdam, development of shore-power facilities at major ports, and designation of select ports such as VOC, Paradip, and Deendayal as green hydrogen hubs.
India has also strengthened cooperation with Norway and Sweden to advance green shipping, shipbuilding, and technology exchange, while domestic ports are adopting digital systems, electric vehicles, and low-emission logistics equipment to support zero-emission operations. These steps are expected to make India a competitive base for green and digital maritime infrastructure.
In parallel, the country’s shipbuilding industry is diversifying through public–private partnerships. A recent agreement between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Swan Defence & Heavy Industries Limited to build Landing Platform Docks for the Indian Navy marks a milestone in defence shipbuilding collaboration.
With major global operators joining its registry and green transition policies taking effect, India is positioning itself as both a commercial and technological hub in the evolving global maritime landscape — balancing traditional trade flows dominated by China and Singapore.
CMA CGM, headquartered in Marseille, France, operates one of the world’s largest container fleets. Maersk, based in Denmark, and Geneva-based MSC are the two largest container shipping lines globally.