France's largest container shipping group, headquartered in Marseille, founded in 1978, with a capacity of approximately 3.8 million TEU, ranking third globally, a member of the Ocean Alliance, and a global leader in LNG-powered clean energy fleets.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| English Name | CMA CGM Group |
| SCAC Code | CMDU |
| Headquarters | Marseille, France |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Shipping Alliance | Ocean Alliance |
| Fleet Capacity | Approx. 3.8 million TEU (Alphaliner 2025) |
| Global Ranking | 3rd |
| Number of Vessels | Approx. 620 (owned + chartered) |
Company Overview
CMA CGM was founded by Jacques Saade in Marseille, France, starting with routes in the Mediterranean region. After more than four decades of development, CMA CGM has grown into one of France's largest private companies and the world's third-largest container shipping group. The company achieved leapfrog growth through several key acquisitions, most notably the 2016 acquisition of APL, the 2019 acquisition of CEVA Logistics, and the 2022 acquisition of Ingram Micro's CLS business, forming three core divisions: shipping, logistics, and freight forwarding.
CMA CGM is one of the first shipping companies to order LNG-powered container ships in bulk, including the world's first ultra-large 23,000 TEU LNG-powered container vessel, leading the way in green shipping. CMA CGM has multiple branches in China, with services covering global routes from major Chinese export ports. Its APL brand focuses on the trans-Pacific market, while the CNC brand focuses on intra-Asia routes, creating a multi-brand differentiated operation. CMA CGM has also advanced multimodal integration through acquisitions of French domestic waterway and rail transport companies.
Main Route Network
| Route | Typical Port Rotation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Asia-Europe (FAL series) | Shanghai—Ningbo—Yantian—Tanjung Pelepas—Suez—Rotterdam—Hamburg—Le Havre | Weekly |
| Trans-Pacific (PEX series) | Yantian—Ningbo—Shanghai—Busan—Los Angeles—Oakland—Seattle | Weekly |
| Asia-Mediterranean (MEX series) | Qingdao—Shanghai—Ningbo—Yantian—Singapore—Beirut—Malta—Barcelona—Valencia | Weekly |
| Asia-Latin America | Shanghai—Ningbo—Shekou—Hong Kong—Singapore—Santos—Montevideo—Buenos Aires | Weekly |
| Asia-Africa | Shanghai—Ningbo—Nansha—Singapore—Cape Town—Durban | Weekly |
Ports of Call in China
CMA CGM has comprehensive coverage in mainland China, with major ports of call including:
- East China: Shanghai, Ningbo
- South China: Shenzhen (Yantian/Shekou/Chiwan), Guangzhou (Nansha), Xiamen
- North China: Tianjin, Qingdao, Dalian
- APL/CNC series: Additional coverage of more regional ports through its sub-brands
Operational Notes
- Booking Method: Book with CMA CGM through Boffin Logistics, supporting contract rates
- Bill of Lading Issuance: CMA CGM carrier bill of lading available
- Container Tracking: Boffin Logistics provides cargo status information to customers via CMA CGM's tracking system
- Special Cargo: DG requires submission of cargo declaration form in advance; RF reefer containers require reservation of reefer plugs; OOG oversized cargo requires pre-shipment stowage plan review
- Seasonal Factors: Peak seasons vary by CMA CGM route; trans-Pacific peak is July-October, Asia-Europe peak is August-October with tight space. Latin America and Africa peak seasons are typically mid-year, influenced by local holidays and agricultural product shipping seasons
- Transit Time Reference: South China to Europe approx. 25-30 days, South China to US West Coast approx. 15-18 days, South China to Mediterranean approx. 22-28 days, South China to Latin America approx. 30-38 days, South China to West Africa approx. 25-32 days. APL trans-Pacific express services under CMA CGM offer faster transit times
- Restrictions: CMA CGM's declaration procedures for dangerous goods (DG) and reefer containers (RF) are stricter than most carriers, requiring complete MSDS and dangerous goods packaging certificates in advance. After the APL brand transition to the CMA CGM system, contract terms for some legacy customers may need renegotiation
Boffin Logistics Services
As a first-tier freight forwarder cooperating with CMA CGM, Boffin Logistics leverages CMA CGM's outstanding advantages in special cargo handling and differentiated routes to provide professional solutions for customers with specific transport needs:
- Relying on CMA CGM's industry-leading operational standards and review procedures for dangerous goods (DG) and reefer containers (RF), Boffin Logistics assists customers in efficiently completing dangerous goods declarations, reefer reservations, and remote temperature monitoring, ensuring safe and compliant shipment of special cargo
- Leveraging CMA CGM's traditional strengths on Latin America and Africa routes (via exclusive port calls and own feeder network), Boffin Logistics provides export enterprises in emerging markets with dedicated channels featuring stable capacity and reliable schedules, avoiding slot competition on main trunk routes
- For cargo exported from Pearl River Delta ports, Boffin Logistics provides one-stop services including trucking and container pick-up, export customs clearance, and cargo insurance, while supporting flexible switching between CMA CGM's APL trans-Pacific express and CNC intra-Asia routes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the advantages of CMA CGM's LNG fleet? CMA CGM is one of the first shipping companies to order LNG-powered container ships in bulk, with a large clean energy fleet including the world's first ultra-large 23,000 TEU LNG-powered container vessel. Compared to conventional fuel ships, LNG-powered ships can reduce sulfur oxide emissions by about 99%, fine particulate matter by over 90%, and CO2 emissions by about 20%, offering stronger compliance and operational continuity under increasingly stringent international maritime environmental regulations. Additionally, LNG fuel costs are competitively priced in the medium to long term, helping CMA CGM convert environmental investments into freight rate advantages.
Q2: What is the difference between CMA CGM's APL and CNC brands? APL (American President Lines) and CNC (Cheng Lie Navigation) are two differentiated sub-brands under the CMA CGM group. APL focuses on trans-Pacific routes with a deep historical presence and customer base in North America, offering high-frequency services to the US West and East Coasts; CNC focuses on intra-Asia routes covering Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and South Asia, with dense sailing schedules. This multi-brand strategy enables CMA CGM to adopt differentiated operations and marketing for different market segments, achieving complementary advantages between the parent and sub-brands.
Q3: What advantages does CMA CGM have on Latin America and Africa routes? CMA CGM has industry-recognized traditional advantages on Latin America and Africa routes. In Latin America, through long-term cultivation and its own feeder network, CMA CGM offers a wide range of route options from Asia directly to the East Coast, West Coast, and Caribbean regions of South America, with port rotations covering many secondary ports. In Africa, through strategic moves such as the acquisition of Bollore Africa Logistics, CMA CGM has built one of the densest logistics networks on the continent, with priority berthing and operational capabilities at major East and West African ports, making it an excellent choice for export customers in emerging markets.
Practical Experience
In the process of handling CMA CGM shipments, Boffin Logistics has found that CMA CGM's declaration procedures for dangerous goods (DG) and reefer containers (RF) are indeed stricter than other carriers. Specifically, CMA CGM requires complete MSDS and dangerous goods packaging certificates at the time of booking for DG cargo, and has an independent review list for certain product names; items not on the list may be directly rejected. We recommend that customers prepare declaration materials at least one week in advance for DG cargo shipped with CMA CGM, allowing sufficient review time.
Regarding the APL to CMA CGM brand transition, we have encountered some points to note in practice. After APL's previously independent booking system and contract system were gradually integrated into the CMA CGM platform, some legacy customers' APL contracts needed reconfirmation to be used under the CMA CGM system. Our suggestion is that if customers previously used APL for trans-Pacific routes, they should reconfirm rates and service terms when booking with CMA CGM to avoid communication errors caused by the brand switch.
CMA CGM's investment in LNG clean energy ships is also reflected in practice — voyages using LNG-powered ships can enjoy priority berthing or fee reductions at certain European ports, which is a value-added feature we specifically recommend when designing routes for customers. For corporate customers concerned about environmental compliance, CMA CGM's LNG fleet is an optimal choice that combines brand image value and practical benefits.
Selection Advice
Target: Export enterprises whose cargo is destined for emerging markets such as Latin America and Africa, or customers with special cargo transport needs such as dangerous goods (DG) or reefer containers (RF). Recommendation: With its world-leading LNG clean energy fleet, differentiated brand matrix of APL/CNC, and traditional strengths on Latin America and Africa routes, CMA CGM provides stable and reliable dedicated channels and capacity assurance for emerging market exports and special cargo transportation.
Contact Us
- Carrier Official Website: https://www.cma-cgm.com
- Boffin Logistics CMA CGM Booking Hotline: 130-7567-8958
- Email: info@zhbfwl.com