(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) has announced the historic reflagging of CMA CGM Phoenix as the largest U.S.-flagged commercial containership. The in-port flag change ceremony took place at the Port of Charleston, S.C., with MarAd Acting Administrator 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,” Yi said. “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, CMA CGM Phoenix is a neo-Panamax containership measuring approximately 1,079 feet long and 151 feet wide, with 110,000 gt and a summer deadweight capacity of about 130,000 tons. This will be 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, containerships, dry bulk carriers, vehicle carriers and more. The U.S.-flagged commercial fleet is a cornerstone of America’s national security and economic resilience. These vessels and their American crews ensure secure supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign carriers and can also voluntarily provide essential sealift capabilities to support the Department of Defense during times of conflict.
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.
– U.S. Maritime Administration
