A new chapter quietly unfolded at Nhava Sheva Free Port Terminal when the CMA CGM VITORIA made her entrance, bearing the Indian flag for the very first time in the history of the French shipping giant. It’s not every day that a company with global reach changes its operational landscape, but that’s exactly what CMA CGM has done — two months after hosting India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at their Marseille headquarters.
The atmosphere at the terminal was heavy with anticipation. India’s Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur, joined a lineup of high-profile guests: representatives from the Ministry of Shipping, the Directorate General of Shipping, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, foreign diplomats, partners, and members of CMA CGM India‘s team. Everyone came together to witness what could only be described as a historical pivot for the group.
CMA CGM VITORIA isn’t just any vessel. She’s now a vital part of BIGEX, one of the most direct and efficient maritime services linking India, the Gulf region, and the Red Sea. The timing feels almost poetic, given the shifting tides of global commerce and the growing emphasis on regional supply chain resilience. When you think about it, this isn’t just about adding another ship to the registry; it’s about positioning. It’s about laying down roots where future growth is anticipated.
The move aligns closely with India’s expanding ambitions along the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). This corridor is being touted as a strategic artery for reshaping global trade patterns — a modern Silk Road but on water. In this light, CMA CGM isn’t just chasing volume; they’re securing a seat at the table where future trade routes are being redrawn.
There’s a sense of urgency and realism in this strategic adjustment. Indian-flagging the vessel gives CMA CGM a stronger operational foothold, offering benefits ranging from preferential berthing and local regulatory support to a more tangible connection with regional stakeholders. It’s smart business, but it’s also deeply symbolic — an unmistakable sign of India’s rising influence in global shipping lanes.
Among those taking in the moment were senior executives like Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Eléa Pons, Benoit Gauthier, Girish Thomas, Ludovic Renou, Atit Mahajan, Capt. Sagar Dange, Jesper Stenbak, Rajiv Jethi, and Mamta S. Their presence underscored just how much this milestone means internally for a company that has always prided itself on agility and foresight.
Ultimately, while the industry buzzes over new vessel launches and emerging trade routes, the quiet symbolism of raising the Indian flag on the CMA CGM VITORIA might just be one of the more important maritime moments of the year.
