CMA CGM Reflags Ship to Become Largest U.S.-Flagged
CMA CGM Launches Major U.S. Fleet Expansion
CMA CGM is taking significant steps to enhance its U.S. shipping capabilities with a $20 billion investment aimed at tripling its U.S.-flagged fleet. On July 24, the company celebrated the reflagging of the CMA CGM Phoenix, marking the first of four vessels to join the U.S. registry. This milestone not only underscores CMA CGM’s commitment to American maritime strength but also promises to create jobs and bolster national security.
Historic Reflagging Ceremony in Charleston
The CMA CGM Phoenix, a Neo-Panamax containership with a deadweight tonnage of 115,000 and a capacity of 9,326 TEU, was officially reflagged in Charleston, South Carolina. This vessel, previously known as the APL Phoenix, was built in 2013 by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering in South Korea. At 1,079 feet (328 meters) long, it has now become the largest container ship to operate under the U.S. flag, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD).
During the reflagging ceremony, Acting Administrator of MARAD Sang Yi emphasized the broader implications of this move. “Adding the CMA CGM Phoenix into the U.S.-flagged fleet is a powerful move toward reclaiming America’s maritime strength,” he stated. The vessel will employ 42 American mariners, with 21 on board at any time, and will operate on routes connecting the U.S. East Coast with Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. This initiative is expected to significantly increase the number of American seafarers employed by CMA CGM by 50 percent.
Future Plans and Economic Impact
CMA CGM plans to follow the CMA CGM Phoenix with three additional vessels, each with a capacity of 9,300 TEU. These additions will not only enhance the company’s operational capabilities but also serve as a training platform for future maritime officers. Two cadets from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and state maritime academies will be onboard each voyage, providing them with valuable hands-on experience.
In March, CMA CGM Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé met with President Donald Trump to discuss the company’s expansion plans, which include growing its U.S.-flagged fleet to 30 ships over the next four years. Currently, the CMA CGM Phoenix is the 11th U.S.-flagged vessel in CMA CGM’s service. The company, which acquired APL in 2016, also aims to expand its terminal operations and air freight services in the United States.
This reflagging aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order aimed at restoring America’s maritime dominance and reflects a bipartisan effort in Congress to rebuild the American merchant marine. The current U.S.-flagged fleet comprises 189 vessels, including various types of carriers, highlighting the importance of this initiative for the future of American shipping.
