The world’s three largest containerlines are reflagging ships to the Indian register to take advantage of local cabotage laws and growing business around the shorelines of the world’s most populous nation.
France’s CMA CGM was the first global liner to make the move this year, registering four vessels in India following on from a visit by prime minister Narendra Modi to CMA CGM’s Marseille headquarters. CMA CGM went a step further in recent days by announcing landmark plans to build containerships on Indian soil.
Maersk has followed suit with shipping database Equasis showing the Maersk Vilnius is now Indian-flagged and local media suggesting another vessel, Maersk Vigo, is also in the process of switching registers.
Meanwhile, Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), the world’s largest container line, is being tipped to make headlines next week by revealing plans to re-flag some vessels during India Maritime Week.
Commenting on the news via LinkedIn, Dr Asha Pillai, chief strategy officer at Kochi-based port automation specialist Docker Vision, noted: “Beyond symbolism, each reflagged vessel adds to India’s national tonnage, keeps freight revenue within the country, and creates opportunities for Indian seafarers, ports, and shipmanagement firms. If this momentum continues, it could reshape India’s position in global shipping — turning policy intent into tangible tonnage growth and strategic maritime presence.”
India’s registry push comes alongside broader maritime ambitions of the Modi administration. The Maritime India Vision 2030 seeks to modernise ports, expand coastal and inland waterways, and attract investment into shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime services.
