CMA CGM FORT DIAMANT becomes the first LNG vessel to arrive at Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal on its maiden voyage
CMA CGM Group, a global leader in sea, land air and logistics solutions, has announced the arrival of its state-of-the-art 7,300 TEU LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) vessel – CMA CGM FORT DIAMANT - in India at Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT), JN Port. This landmark event marks a significant milestone in the Group’s commitment to sustainable and efficient maritime transportation.
CMA CGM FORT DIAMANT is the third in a series of four 7,300 TEU LNG-powered ships, all equipped with nearly 1,400 reefer plugs. The vessel is part of CMA CGM’s AS1 service (Asia Subcontinent service) with port rotation as Qingdao-Shanghai-Ningbo-Shekou-Singapore -Nhava Sheva-Mundra-Karachi-Singapore.
The AS1 serves the Asia-India trade that forms 44% of India’s total imports and caters to the gateway ports of Nhava Sheva and Mundra, in addition to providing the right balance for equipment supply into India for exports.
"We are proud to welcome the maiden voyage of LNG vessel CMA CGM FORT DIAMANT to India. This vessel not only demonstrates our Group’s commitment to offer sustainable shipping and logistics solutions but also enhances our ability to serve our customers with greater efficiency and reliability,” said Mr Atit Mahajan, Managing Director – CMA CGM Agency India.
The CMA CGM Group is focused on reducing its energy consumption through operational excellence and asset optimisation while increasing the share of low-carbon energies in its energy mix, both through the acquisition of suitable assets and the development of its production sectors.
Additionally, the Group has committed $18 billion to order 131 LNG and methanol ships, capable of using low-carbon energies (biogas, bio-methanol and synthetic fuels) in the fleet by 2028.
Leading player in India
CMA CGM Group, a leading industry player in India, has a strategic network of new generation multi-user terminals to support the growth and reliability of its commercial and operational activities.
CMA Terminals (CMAT), a fully owned subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group together with J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Ltd, a unit of the 106-year-old Mumbai-based J M Baxi Group, operates the Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal Pvt Ltd. In addition, the Group jointly operates CT4 terminal in Mundra under a JV with Adani Ports & SEZ since 2016.
The CMA CGM Group is consolidating its end-to-end service offering and establishing greater control over the logistics chain to offer its customers higher quality, integrated, digital and more sustainable services in a context that requires a comprehensive approach to the supply chain. As one of the nation’s top ocean-freight carriers, CMA CGM is well positioned to serve its customers, thanks to a strong presence in India over the past three decades.
“This is a big step forward in ensuring we jointly live up to the commitment of reducing marine pollution & GHG emissions. The vessel’s arrival at NSFT underscores the port’s capability to handle next-generation vessels and demonstrates the growing collaboration between the terminal / port and shipping lines in advancing green shipping solutions,” said Mr Anirudhha Lele, CEO, Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal.
With more than 30 years of market presence in India, the CMA CGM Group is a leading industry player with over 15,000 staff members in India. CMA CGM connects the country to the rest of the world with 18 shipping services making weekly calls. CEVA Logistics, CMA CGM’s logistics arm, is currently present in 105 locations across 31 cities in India with approximately 870,000 square feet of warehouse space. With the acquisition of Stellar VCS in 2023, CEVA Logistics strengthened its position as a key player in Indian contract logistics, offering its new diverse customers a wide range of global and local expertise in addition to increased operational efficiency and innovation.