The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has celebrated the historic reflagging of CMA CGM Phoenix as the largest U.S.-flagged commercial container ship, affirming it advances President Trump’s Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance. The in-port flag change ceremony took place at the Port of Charleston, with the Acting Administrator of MARAD Sang Yi attending and delivering remarks.
“Adding the CMA CGM Phoenix into the U.S.-flagged fleet is a powerful move toward reclaiming America’s maritime strength,” said Sang Yi. “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.”
Launched in 2013, the CMA CGM Phoenix is a Neo-Panamax container ship measuring approximately 1,079 feet long and 151 feet wide, with a gross tonnage of 110,000 GT and a container capacity of 9,300 TEUs. It will be deployed on the CMA CGM INDAMEX Service, connecting the U.S. East Coast with Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka.
This is the 11th U.S. flag vessel in CMA CGM service. CMA CGM has committed to tripling that number by 2029, as part of a broader $20 billion investment in U.S. maritime, logistics, and port infrastructure.
The U.S.-flagged fleet consists of 189 vessels, including tankers, container ships, dry bulk carriers, vehicle carriers, and more.
Through programs like the Maritime Security Program (MSP), Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), and cargo preference regulations, MARAD maintains a strong U.S.-flag presence in international trade, sustaining vital maritime jobs and preserving the trained workforce needed for military and commercial readiness.
“We’re proud to be investing in the future of U.S. maritime power,” said Adeline Franger Chouraqui, CEO of CMA CGM America. “This milestone marks a new chapter in our long-term commitment to the United States. By expanding our U.S.-flagged fleet, we will create new jobs, support American exports, and help strengthen the nation’s maritime capabilities for years to come.”
(Photo from Vesselfinder.com)