CMA CGM has augmented its capacity through a substantial new-building programme. By 2028, the company plans to expand its French-flagged fleet from 30 to 40 ships.

CMA CGM is aspiring to surpass A.P. Moller - Maersk as the planet's second-largest container line by the end of 2027, as reported by Les Echos. Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé has linked this goal to the company's order book, expecting it to help close the capacity gap with its Danish rival. 

Meanwhile, the data on the public fleet has placed MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company in first place, with approximately 7.34m TEU. In second place is Maersk with around 4.72m TEU, and in third place is CMA CGM with approximately 4.38m TEU. This puts CMA CGM roughly 338,500 TEU behind Maersk. 

A substantial new-building programme

CMA CGM has increased capacity through a substantial new-building programme. On 2 July, the group christened the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME in Le Havre, the first of ten 24,000 TEU LNG-powered containerships. The company has announced its plans to expand its French-flagged fleet from 30 ships to 40 by 2028, with the aim of supporting the recruitment of 135 French seafarers.  “For many years, our strategy has been to invest heavily in our fleet of large vessels. We have ordered over 200 ships to be delivered by 2030,” said Saadé at the christening ceremony in Le Havre.

CMA CGM NOTRE DAME

It is noteworthy that the CMA CGM Group has taken delivery of the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, (IMO 1028035, MMSI 228499700 -sailing under the flag of France. ), a new-generation liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel and the largest containership currently operating under the French flag. The vessel began its maiden commercial voyage in Shanghai, China, and is expected to arrive in France and Europe in early July. By adding this vessel to its fleet, CMA CGM is continuing to modernise its operations and reaffirming its commitment to the energy transition in maritime transport, while also strengthening its capacity to support the growth of global trade

Related: Saadé (CMA CGM): “Hormuz is an ongoing crisis. Prepare for alternative routes.”

Expansion in the logistics sector.

Furthermore, CMA CGM is undergoing a period of expansion in the logistics sector. On 1 July, the group agreed to acquire FedEx Supply Chain for $1.4 billion, a deal which is expected almost to triple the size of CEVA Logistics’ contract logistics operations in North America. The transaction is expected to be completed in 2026, pending regulatory approval. 

Maersk is also renewing its fleet

While Maersk is also renewing its fleet, it is not the only company making such moves in the current market. In February, the group placed an order with China’s New Times Shipbuilding for eight 18,600-TEU vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030. Following this order, Maersk had 33 vessels on order, four of which are scheduled for delivery before the end of 2026. 

About: CMA CGM

CMA CGM is a leading global shipping and logistics group based in Marseille, France. It is one of the largest container transportation and shipping companies in the world, serving hundreds of ports across five continents. The company provides end-to-end cargo, supply chain, and air freight services globally

About: A.P. Moller - Maersk

A.P. Moller - Maersk is a Danish publicly listed logistics company and the global leader in container shipping and ports. It operates in over 130 countries, manages supply chains, and employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide

About:MSC

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is a Swiss-Italian privately owned global shipping and logistics conglomerate. Founded in 1970, it operates the world’s largest fleet of container ships, connecting international trade across hundreds of ports globally

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