CMA CGM - Experts & Thought Leaders

Indian Register of Shipping has reported a strong year across defence, merchant marine, digital innovation and research during 2025, reinforcing its position as a key technical partner for governments, shipowners and shipyards at a time of accelerating change for the maritime sector. In merchant marine, IRS recorded broader engagement in international projects. It completed its first new construction project for Penguin Shipyard in Singapore, delivered its first Korean owner Korean-built vessel through IRS Korea, and continued to attract major global operators. Technical expertise and responsiveness Vessels from CMA CGM and Maersk were classed during 2025, reflecting confidence in the organisation’s technical expertise and responsiveness. IRS also expanded its presence in the Middle East with the opening of a new office in Saudi Arabia to support growing regional activity. Since January 2025, 115 vessels of various sizes and applications have been delivered under its class in India and abroad. Fleet modernisation plans In the defence sector, IRS supported major national programmes as the Indian Navy advanced its fleet modernisation plans. The organisation completed the single classing of the Navy’s Fleet Support Ships, a first for the country, and contributed to the delivery and commissioning of Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes, Survey Vessel Large and Diving Support Vessels. A further milestone was achieved through its supervision of the refit of the submarine INS Sindhukirti. This marked the first time a classification society in India had overseen an EKM class submarine refit and demonstrated growing capability in managing high-complexity naval platforms. How safety frameworks will need to evolve to support Digital transformation remained a central focus for the organisation. IRS advanced the deployment of virtual twin technology to support life cycle assessment and 3D classification processes and continued to build capability in predictive analysis and remote-ready solutions. It also played a visible role in shaping the discussion around the long-term potential of nuclear propulsion for commercial shipping. IRS also participated in a specialist roundtable during London International Shipping Week, which examined how nuclear energy may influence deep-sea decarbonisation strategies and how safety frameworks will need to evolve to support future feasibility studies. Development of inland waterway infrastructure IRS strengthened its involvement in the development of inland waterway infrastructure through a collaborative feasibility study with Rhenus Logistics India. The organisation also supported knowledge sharing within the ship recycling sector by hosting a seminar on safe and sustainable recycling practices in Bhavnagar. Research and development continued to underpin much of the organisation’s technical progress. IRS advanced work in AI-driven FEML automation, computational fluid dynamics for rotor sail efficiency and full-scale powering prediction. Its research output was published in pioneering international journals. Future global safety standards Additional initiatives included hydrogen fuel risk analysis, IMDG training and an underwater welding skills programme delivered with IIT Guwahati. IRS also developed Indian Coast Guard vetted oil spill contingency plans for major ports, provided structural analysis for naval platforms and contributed to IMO and IACS projects that will shape future global safety standards. Future-ready technical assurance Reflecting on the year, Mr Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of IRS, said: “Our work in 2025 demonstrates the trust placed in IRS across defence and commercial shipping and highlights the importance of rigorous, future-ready technical assurance. The maritime industry is entering a period defined by complex regulation, emerging technologies and major shifts in fuel strategy." "We are strengthening our capability and broadening our research partnerships, while continuing to support national and international clients with the highest standards of safety and technical integrity. This will remain our priority as the industry prepares for the next phase of transformation.” Adoption of digital classification tools Looking ahead to 2026, IRS expects continued growth in demand for advanced technical assurance across both defence and commercial shipping. The organisation anticipates increased activity in naval projects as multi-role vessels become more complex and require enhanced lifecycle support. Shipowners are expected to accelerate their adoption of digital classification tools as virtual twin technologies begin to influence survey planning and asset management. Innovation, safety and expanded industry collaboration Alternative fuel readiness is forecast to increase, particularly in hydrogen, biofuels and methanol, while long-term research into nuclear propulsion is expected to gain momentum as owners explore pathways for deep-sea decarbonisation beyond 2030. Inland waterway development is likely to progress as governments seek more sustainable domestic transport options. With a strong foundation built during 2025, IRS enters the new year focused on innovation, safety and expanded industry collaboration as it supports clients through evolving regulatory expectations and rapid technological advancement.

Major carrier - CMA CGM has announced its INDAMEX service will transit Suez Canal on fronthaul and backhaul voyages between India/Pakistan and US East Coast in a notable step towards a large-scale return of container ships to the Red Sea region. The first vessel to complete a full service loop via Suez Canal will be CMA CGM VERDI, sailing from Karachi to New York on 15 January. eeSea by Xeneta data shows voyages via Suez Canal rather than Cape of Good Hope reduces full loop transit time on this service by two weeks, down to 77 days. CMA CGM’s announcement Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta – the ocean freight intelligence platform - said: “We are still some way from a largescale return of container shipping to the Red Sea, but CMA CGM’s announcement of a full east-west loop via Suez is certainly a notable step in the right direction." “We have seen carriers, particularly CMA CGM, testing the water recently by transiting Suez Canal on a select few voyages, particularly backhaul legs to Asia when there is less cargo onboard." “Until now, these transits via Suez Canal have been on a case-by-case basis, diverting voyages originally scheduled to sail around Cape of Good Hope. CMA CGM’s announcement this week is important because it is a structural change with a service proforma to transit Suez Canal on every sailing.” Vessels on the INDAMEX service Four more vessels on the INDAMEX service (APL OREGON, CMA CGM PASSION, APL LE HAVRE, CMA CGM MAUPASSANT) will make eastbound transits via Suez before the new rotation takes full effect. There are also eastbound transits of Suez Canal by other CMA CGM vessels, including CMA CGM JULES VERNE, APL CHANGI, CMA CGM GALAPAGOS, CMA CGM GRACE BAY, APL MERLION and CMA CGM KIMBERLEY; however, only the latter two are ‘official’ or proforma passages. Escalation of attacks on merchant ships Other major carriers, including Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, have not announced a firm timeline for a large-scale Red Sea return, while ZIM has stated it is waiting for insurance approval. Sand has warned the latest announcement by CMA CGM does not automatically mean an imminent large-scale return of container shipping to the Red Sea. The number of container ships transiting Suez Canal in November 2025 was 120, down from 583 in October 2023, shortly before the escalation of attacks on merchant ships in the region by Houthi Militia. Container shipping capacity and freight rates Sand said: “Carriers will be carrying out risk assessments and the security situation remains fragile. The assessment will look at the Houthi’s ability, opportunity and intent to attack ships. We know they have the ability, but carriers will want assurance over their intent, especially because the opportunity will increase as more ships begin sailing through the region.” The shorter transit time on a full loop via Suez on the CMA CGM INDAMEX means two ships will be dropped from the service – a pre-cursor for the impact a large-scale return would have on container shipping capacity and freight rates. Ocean container shipping market Sand said: “There is already overcapacity of supply in the ocean container shipping market and spot rates are falling even without a large-scale return to the Red Sea. Average spot rates on Far East fronthauls to US East Coast and North Europe are down 57% and 53% respectively compared to a year ago." “If we see other carriers follow CMA CGM, then capacity will flood the market and we could see freight rates fall hard. This could push carriers further towards loss-making territory, but they will be fully aware of this outlook and ready to respond.”

TOC Africa has wrapped up its highly anticipated 2025 edition with tremendous success, welcoming almost 800 attendees from across 52 countries, spanning five continents to Tangier. The event, which took place from 17 to 18 September 2025, solidified its position as Africa's premier maritime logistics gathering, providing an essential forum for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and chart the future of port operations and supply chain management across the continent.  TOC is delighted to continue its relationship with Tanger Med and to return to Africa once again, building on the success of previous editions. Conference highlights & distinguished speakers The total program featured 40+ high-level speakers addressing critical challenges and options The comprehensive program featured 40+ high-level speakers addressing critical challenges and opportunities facing Africa's maritime sector. The carefully curated sessions delivered valuable insights on enhancing regional trade, infrastructure development, and strategic positioning in global shipping networks. Standout presentations included: Mehdi Tazi Riffi, CEO, Tanger Med Group, delivering the "Welcome Speech & Opening Remarks" jointly with Paul Holloway, Event Director at TOC WORLDWIDE, and later speaking at the "Plenary Session - The Port as an enabler of trade and cooperation in Africa" David El-Bez, Director, Terminal Investment – France, Africa, Canary Islands - TiL/MSC Group, contributing expert analysis during the "African Ports in Global Trade" panel discussion Adeline Gabillaud, Vice-President, Regional Director West Africa at CMA CGM, sharing strategic insights at "Investing in Intra-African Trade & Logistics Corridors" Clavio Macuacua, Chairman, Maputo Logistics Corridor, Mozambique Michael Mama, Director of Operations, Port Authority of Kribi Biro Diallo, Managing Director, Autonomous Port of Conakry Jean Marie Koffi, Secretary General, Port Management Association of West and Central Africa – PMAWCA Col. André Ciseau, Secretary General, Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa – PMAESA Shahzad Athar, Vice President – Business Strategy, Adani Ports and SEZ & Board Member, Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Ltd. Mari Pennanen, Chief Business Development Officer, African Ports and Corridors Holdings (APCH) Maartje Driessens, Head of Business Development, Port of Antwerp-Brugges International Industry pioneers examining pathways to strengthen Africa's position in international shipping and commerce Strategic conversations shaping Africa's maritime future This year's program addressed several transformative themes for the continent: Plenary Session - The Port as an enabler of trade and cooperation in Africa: Discussions explored how ports can drive economic development across the continent, recognising that over 90% of Africa's international trade moves through maritime channels. Speakers outlined actionable approaches for port authorities and governments to establish performance standards and regulatory frameworks that enhance regional cooperation. African Ports in Global Trade: Sessions tackled the continent's current 7% contribution to global seaborne exports and 5% to imports, despite Africa's strategic location and rapid population growth. Experts examined how strategic investments, free trade zones, and response to shipping alliance reshaping could strengthen Africa's global trade position. Investing in Intra-African Trade & Logistics Corridors: With sixteen land-linked countries across Africa, speakers highlighted critical infrastructure needs for improved continental connectivity. Discussions centred on developing dry ports, railways, and logistics corridors to enhance market access and competitiveness. Innovation showcase The exhibition floor featured 40 pioneering port-focused solution providers displaying cutting-edge solutions across: Advanced port equipment and handling systems Digital transformation technologies Terminal management platforms Environmental sustainability innovations Logistics optimisation tools Cross-sector collaboration TOC Africa successfully united stakeholders from across the maritime supply chain, including port authorities TOC Africa successfully united stakeholders from across the maritime supply chain, including port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, cargo owners, logistics providers, government officials, and technology suppliers. As part of TOC's global portfolio of events, the conference addressed international maritime challenges while focusing on Africa-specific opportunities and solutions. This international perspective provided attendees with valuable insights into global trends affecting regional development, and also highlighting the synergies between TOC's Worldwide events series that incorporate Europe, the Americas and Asia. IMO's carbon neutrality provisions In his opening speech, Mr. Mehdi Tazi Riffi, CEO of Tanger Med Group, declared, “Here in Tangier, on the Strait of Gibraltar, a key crossroads of global maritime routes, a bridge between Europe and Africa, and the gateway to the Mediterranean. This edition of TOC Africa comes at a time when our industry is facing multiple challenges: The outlook for global trade, the positioning of shipping companies and ports, the energy transition, and decarbonisation - particularly with the IMO's carbon neutrality provisions and those already implemented through the ETS." TOC continues to deepen its footprint across this dynamic region of immense potential "The digital transition at the level of our continent, topics such as Africa's share in global trade, regional integration, the role and performance of ports in economic development are all critical. All these themes reflect both the dynamism of our sector and the magnitude of the challenges we face”. He added: "In this regard, Tanger Med, as a pioneering maritime, logistics, and industrial player in the Mediterranean and in Africa, fully embrace its role as a reference port and logistics platform - serving both global supply chains and regional development.” Level of engagement and strategic discussions "What we've witnessed at TOC Africa 2025 is truly remarkable – a genuine commitment from industry pioneers to transform challenges into opportunities for continental growth," remarked Paul Holloway, Event Director. "The level of engagement and strategic discussions taking place here demonstrates Africa's determination to strengthen its maritime capabilities and enhance its position in global trade networks." With Africa's maritime sector poised for unprecedented growth and attracting significant global investment interest, TOC continues to deepen its footprint across this dynamic region of immense potential.