Maersk reflags two container ships under Indian registry

Global shipping major Maersk has reflagged two of its container vessels under the Indian flag, marking a significant step in expanding its footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing maritime markets. The move follows similar actions by rival CMA CGM, reflecting growing confidence in India’s evolving maritime ecosystem.

According to industry sources, Maersk has set up a new entity, Maersk Bharat IFSC Private Limited, at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) to own and operate the reflagged vessels. The ships — the 1,810 TEU Maersk Vilnius, reflagged on October 13, and the 1,740 TEU Maersk Vigo, reflagged on October 21 — were both built in 2010 and were previously registered in Singapore.

Analysts noted that the reflagging aligns with India’s efforts to attract global shipowners to register vessels locally, supported by regulatory reforms, improved port infrastructure, and GIFT City’s emergence as a maritime and financial hub. Maersk is expected to officially announce the move during India Maritime Week, beginning October 27 in Mumbai, where senior company executives will be in attendance.

The development follows CMA CGM’s recent reflagging of three container ships in India since April, with a fourth expected by the end of October, making the French carrier the first major global line to adopt the Indian flag for multiple vessels.

Earlier this year, Maersk also held the naming ceremony for its dual-fuel methanol-powered vessel ‘Albert Maersk’ at Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPA) — the first such event by a global shipping company in India. Around the same period, the company forged a strategic partnership with Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) to collaborate on ship repair, maintenance, and construction activities. The tie-up will initially focus on afloat repairs for vessels up to 7,000 TEUs and dry-docking for ships up to 4,000 TEUs, with the first repair project already identified.

Meanwhile, the world’s largest container carrier, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), is reportedly exploring the option of registering its ships under the Indian flag, anticipating possible regulatory shifts and a review of the 2018 policy that permits foreign-flagged vessels to carry domestic containers without a licence.

Maersk’s latest move underscores the growing appeal of India’s maritime framework, as the country positions itself as a global shipping and logistics hub through GIFT City and related reforms.