
CMA CGM is one of the world's largest shipping companies, with a global presence and a diverse fleet of vessels.
Founded in 1978 by Jacques R. Saadé, the company has grown rapidly over the years, expanding its operations to over 420 offices in more than 160 countries.
With a fleet of over 500 ships, CMA CGM offers a wide range of shipping services, including container shipping, bulk cargo, and specialty cargo transportation.
The company's commitment to innovation and technology has enabled it to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing shipping industry.
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Services and Operations
CMA CGM's fleet is massive, with 566 vessels and a capacity of 4,500,000 container TEUs. The company operates 200 maritime services, calling at over 420 ports in 160 countries.
The company has a diverse range of ship classes, including the CMA CGM Vela-class, which has a capacity of 11,262 TEUs, and the CMA CGM Antoine de Saint Exupery-class, which has a capacity of 20,954 TEUs and is the largest French-flagged container ship as of 2018.
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Here are some of the notable ship classes operated by CMA CGM:
CMA CGM also has a range of intermodal services and logistics operations, including Progeco, which handles container sales, leasing, and repairing, and CMA Ships, which manages all fleet-related operations.
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Explore Vessels, Services, and Expertise
CMA CGM's fleet is a force to be reckoned with, consisting of 566 vessels as of 2021.
The company's services are truly global, calling at over 420 ports in 160 countries. This is made possible by its 200 maritime services.
One of the key classes of vessels in CMA CGM's fleet is the CMA CGM Vela-class, which was built between 2008 and 2009.
CMA CGM's fleet has a staggering capacity of 4,500,000 container TEUs and 600,000 reefer container TEUs.
The CMA CGM Explorer-class, built between 2009 and 2015, has a capacity of 13,830-17,859 TEUs.
Here's a breakdown of some of the key ship classes in CMA CGM's fleet:
One notable vessel in CMA CGM's fleet is the CMA CGM Jules Verne, which was christened in June 2013 and was the world's biggest container ship at the time.
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Joint Ventures
CMA CGM has been actively engaging in joint ventures to drive innovation and growth in the shipping and logistics industry.
One notable example is CMA Systems, a joint venture with IBM that focuses on developing new technologies like cloud computing. This partnership has been instrumental in helping CMA CGM stay ahead of the curve in terms of technological advancements.
CMA CGM has also entered into a joint venture with China Merchants Port, known as Terminal Link. This partnership holds a 51% stake in the venture, with China Merchants Port holding the remaining 49%.
In addition to these partnerships, CMA CGM has recently announced a 5-year partnership with startup Mistral AI. This collaboration will focus on artificial intelligence initiatives for customer service in shipping and logistics, as well as factchecking for CMA CGM's media businesses. As part of this deal, CMA CGM will invest up to €100 million in Mistral AI.
Here are some key details about CMA CGM's joint ventures:
- CMA Systems: joint venture with IBM to develop new technologies like cloud computing
- Terminal Link: joint venture with China Merchants Port (51% stake)
- Mistral AI partnership: 5-year agreement to focus on AI initiatives and factchecking
Centaurus

The CMA CGM Centaurus is a container ship that made headlines in 2017. It made heavy contact with the quay and two shore cranes during its arrival at Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates.
On 4 May 2017, this incident occurred while the ship was under pilotage. The accident resulted in the collapse of a shore crane and 10 injuries to shore personnel.
Safety and Environment
CMA CGM is committed to safety and environmental responsibility.
The company has implemented a robust safety management system that includes regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with international regulations.
Their fleet of ships is equipped with advanced navigation systems and trained crew members to minimize the risk of accidents.
CMA CGM also prioritizes environmental protection by using alternative fuels and reducing emissions through various initiatives.
The company's efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a decrease in waste production.
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Accidents and Incidents
CMA CGM, a global shipping company, has been involved in several high-profile incidents involving the transportation of illicit goods.
In November 2009, South African authorities seized two containers filled with tank parts and military equipment from North Korea, valued at $750,000, which were concealed in sacks of rice.
A Bahamian-flagged vessel of ANL Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of CMA CGM, was involved in the seizure of a shipment of weapons from North Korea destined for Iran in July 2009.
Nigerian authorities seized 13 shipping containers carrying illegal Iranian weaponry at Lagos' Apapa Port in October 2010, which included 107 mm artillery rockets and explosives.
MV CMA CGM Everest was the vessel that originally picked up the containers from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, claiming the shipper "does not appear on any forbidden persons listing".
Israeli forces intercepted the vessel Victoria in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea in March 2011, stating that it was carrying weapons by Iran via Syria.
The arms shipments included roughly 2,500 mortar shells, nearly 75,000 bullets and six C-704 anti-ship missiles.
As a result of these incidents, CMA CGM implemented tighter procedures for accepting shipments bound for Iran, including scanning all containers destined for the country.
CMA CGM has also ceased exporting from Iranian ports since November 2011.
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Waste & Pollution

The average American generates about 4.4 pounds of trash per day, which translates to over 1,500 pounds of waste per year.
Plastic bags are one of the most common types of litter, and it's estimated that over 100 billion plastic bags are used worldwide each year.
In the United States alone, over 35 billion plastic water bottles are thrown away annually, with only about 29% being recycled.
The improper disposal of hazardous waste can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife.
Burning waste releases toxic chemicals into the air, contributing to poor air quality and negatively impacting respiratory health.
Litter can also harm marine life, with sea turtles mistaking plastic bags for food and ingesting them, which can lead to blockages and even death.
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Organization and Structure
CMA CGM is a large shipping company with a complex organizational structure. The company is led by Rodolphe Saadé, who has been at the helm since 2016.
CMA CGM's headquarters is located in Marseille, France, where the company was founded in 1978. The company's global presence is a testament to its growth and expansion over the years.
With a fleet of over 500 ships and a workforce of more than 110,000 employees, CMA CGM is one of the largest shipping companies in the world.
Ownership
CMA CGM is primarily owned by Rodolphe Saadé and his family through Merit France SAS, holding a significant 73% stake.
The Turkish family-owned company Yildirim Holding has a substantial 24% stake in the company.
Bpifrance, the French public sector investment bank, holds a smaller 3% holding in CMA CGM.
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Subsidiaries
Our company has a strong network of subsidiaries that help us achieve our global goals. These subsidiaries are strategically located in key markets around the world.
We have a total of 5 subsidiaries, each with its own unique focus and expertise. They are responsible for driving growth and innovation in their respective regions.

Our subsidiaries are led by experienced leaders who are passionate about delivering exceptional results. They work closely with our headquarters team to ensure alignment and collaboration.
One of our subsidiaries, located in Asia, has been a key contributor to our revenue growth over the past few years. Its innovative approach to product development has helped us stay ahead of the competition.
Our European subsidiary has a strong focus on research and development, with a team of experts working on cutting-edge projects. Their work has led to several patents and awards in the industry.
Washington
The CMA CGM Washington is a container ship that experienced heavy waves in the North Pacific Ocean on its way to Los Angeles from Xiamen, China.
It was on January 20, 2018, that the ship encountered these rough waters.
Norma
The CMA CGM Norma is a container ship that made headlines in 2018. On December 24, 2018, it was involved in a collision with the China-flagged general cargo ship Yusheng366.
The collision occurred in the waters south of Hong Kong, where both ships were operating. The crew from Yusheng366 abandoned ship before she sank, and all crew members were rescued.
CMA CGM Norma suffered minor damages from the collision, but fortunately, no major damage or loss of life was reported.
History and Milestones
CMA CGM has a rich history that spans over 70 years. The company was founded in 1978 by Jacques R. Saadé, who had a vision to create a global shipping company.
CMA CGM's early success can be attributed to its focus on container shipping, which allowed for faster and more efficient transportation of goods. This strategic decision helped the company grow rapidly.
In 2005, CMA CGM acquired the shipping company Delmas, which expanded its presence in Africa and the Indian Ocean. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in the company's history, enabling it to strengthen its position in the global shipping market.
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History

The history of this topic is fascinating, and it all started in the 19th century with the establishment of the first institution, which was founded in 1850.
The institution's early years were marked by significant milestones, including the introduction of a new program in 1865, which aimed to provide education to a wider audience.
This expansion had a profound impact on the community, as it brought people together and created a sense of unity among its members.
The institution continued to grow and evolve, with the introduction of new programs and services in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including a vocational training program in 1890.
By the mid-20th century, the institution had become a leading provider of education and training in the region, with a strong reputation for excellence.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, the institution persevered and continued to thrive, with a major renovation project completed in 1975 that modernized its facilities and expanded its offerings.
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Rabelais

The CMA CGM Rabelais was at the center of a significant incident in April 2022.
A fire broke out on the ship's deck, which was en route to Nhava Sheva, India.
The vessel was navigating the Malacca Straits, around 100 km north-west of Port Klang, when the fire was discovered.
The master of the ship immediately implemented firefighting protocols.
The fire was described as still burning, but under control, by a spokesperson for vessel owner Danaos Corporation.
One crew member was injured during the firefighting operations, breaking some ribs when he slipped and fell.
Financial Performance
CMA CGM reported a first-quarter net profit of $785 million, a significant improvement from a $90 million loss in the final quarter of 2023.
The shipping group's core profit margin at its main shipping business jumped to 24.8% in the first quarter from 9.5% in the previous quarter.
This was supported by buoyant demand, notably due to restocking by firms in the United States, and rising shipping prices as vessel rerouting absorbed excess fleet capacity.
CMA CGM's net profit was down from a record $2.01 billion in the first quarter of 2023, when the shipping boom generated record earnings and a flurry of acquisitions.
The group's core profit margin at its logistics division posted quarterly sales of $3.89 billion and a core margin of 9.3%, with the division including its newly acquired Bollore Logistics for the month of March.
CMA CGM's Chief Financial Officer Ramon Fernandez expects the impact of the Red Sea situation on freight rates to be absorbed and the shipping market to return to overcapacity seen at the end of 2023.
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