The CMA CGM Phoenix was reflagged July 24 at Charlesrton, S.C., marking the 1,079’x151’ vessel as the largest U.S.-flagged commercial container ship and making it the 11th U.S. registry ship in the fleet of French shipping giant CMA CGM.
Commissioned in 2013, the 9,326-TEU vessel was built in South Korea by Daewoo Shipbuilding and previously registered in Singapore.
CMA CGM officials say they plans to reflag three more container ships of similar post-Panamax size by 2025, with a longer goal of expanding its U.S.-flag fleet to 30 by 2029.
The Phoenix “is now crewed by American seafarers and will serve as a training ground for the next generation of U.S. officers,” according to a July 24 social media post from CMA CGM. “She’ll sail internationally on our INDAMEX service, connecting the East Coast to South Asia — and carrying with her the pride of generational commitment.”
“Adding the CMA CGM Phoenix into the U.S.-flagged fleet is a powerful move toward reclaiming America’s maritime strength,” Sang Yi, acting administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration said in an announcement. “This is about more than ships; it’s also about jobs, trade, and economic strength and national security for Americans. By partnering with innovative companies, we’re reinforcing American competitiveness and protecting the future of global commerce.”
With a total American crew of 42, crew rotation will place 21 U.S. mariners at a time, according to the company. Plans also call for hosting two cadets from U.S. maritime academies on each voyage.
