MSC to reflag containerships under Indian Registry

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world’s largest container carrier, has confirmed plans to register a fleet of its vessels under the Indian flag — a strategic move aligning with India’s efforts to expand its domestic maritime footprint. The decision follows similar steps by CMA CGM and Maersk, both of which have recently reflagged ships in response to India’s new maritime regulations and policy push to increase trade carried on Indian-registered vessels.

MSC CEO Soren Toft announced the commitment during India Maritime Week 2025, where he participated in the Global Maritime CEO Roundtable chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “India is a key country for MSC, with continued strong growth across shipping, ports, and logistics. We have confirmed our commitment to deploy 12 vessels under the Indian flag, furthering our long-term partnership and supporting India’s maritime ambitions,” Toft shared on social media.

This move comes as the Indian government intensifies efforts to boost domestic shipping, including financial incentives for shipbuilding, stricter cabotage regulations on inter-port container movement, and revised vessel age norms that favor early registry transfers.

India’s containership registry — historically minimal — is now seeing unprecedented growth. Following CMA CGM’s transfer of multiple 2,600 TEU vessels and Maersk’s recent reflagging of two 1,800 TEU ships, MSC is set to become the country’s third-largest private shipowner. Meanwhile, the state-run Shipping Corporation of India is reportedly expanding its fleet through secondhand acquisitions, further signaling India’s determination to build a stronger, self-reliant maritime sector.