The U.S. Maritime Administration has announced the reflagging of the CMA CGM Phoenix, marking it as the largest U.S.-flagged commercial container vessel. The ceremony took place at the Port of Charleston, attended by SIU President David Heindel and Vice President George Tricker.
The event celebrated the addition of the CMA CGM Phoenix to the U.S.-flagged fleet, which now totals 189 ships. These include tankers, container ships, dry bulk carriers, and vehicle carriers. Acting Administrator of MARAD Sang Yi emphasized that this move is significant for American maritime strength and involves jobs, trade, economic strength, and national security.
“Adding the CMA CGM Phoenix into the U.S.-flagged fleet is a powerful move toward reclaiming America’s maritime strength,” said 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.”
The CMA CGM Phoenix was launched in 2013 as a Neo-Panamax container ship with impressive dimensions and capacity. It becomes the 11th U.S. flag vessel in CMA CGM service. The company plans to increase this number significantly by 2029 through a $20 billion investment in U.S. maritime infrastructure.
The U.S.-flagged fleet plays a crucial role in national security and economic resilience by ensuring secure supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign carriers. Programs like the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) help maintain a strong U.S.-flag presence in international trade.
