The CMA CGM Group announced a $20-billion investment to contribute to the US maritime economy and support the transformation of America’s domestic supply chain over the next four years.

The commitment will foster US shipbuilding capabilities by bolstering the US-flagged fleet, expand port infrastructure in key locations across the US, grow logistics networks, and develop air cargo services, the company said.

The group owns US flag carrier American President Lines (APL) and has had a presence in the US for the last 35 years. It operates in 40 states and employs 15,000 Americans. CMA CGM transports over five million shipping containers to and from the US each year.

“I am proud to build on our long-standing relationship with the United States through this commitment of $20 billion to the country’s maritime future and logistics capabilities. Over the next four years, we will significantly grow our US-flagged fleet, expand the capacity of key container ports on both coasts, develop state-of-the-art warehousing across the country, and establish a significant air cargo hub in Chicago. This will create 10,000 new American jobs and further strengthen our partnership with American customers and public authorities,” said Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group.

The commitment advances the US administration’s recently-announced priority to strengthen American shipbuilding capabilities, the group said. This includes bolstering APL’s US flag capacity and enhancing maritime resources with new jobs, skills, and technologies. It will reinforce APL’s position as the leading carrier for US government cargo transportation, while also ensuring the safe, open, and reliable access to the oceans necessary to promote America’s economic and national security ambition.

The group will also develop port infrastructure in key locations across the US, including New York, Los Angeles, Dutch Harbor, Houston, and Miami. The investments will contribute to efficient operations and supply chains, accelerated digitization and improved connectivity, and increased safety for port workers and cargo, the group said.

The investment will improve US logistics and supply chain infrastructure through the development of state-of-the-art warehousing and automotive logistics platforms across the country. These contributions will help ensure the security and reliability of the domestic supply chain, while also advancing US leadership in logistics.

As part of its investment, CMA CGM Group will also expand American air cargo capacity. Anchored by a new hub in Chicago, the Group will deploy five new Boeing 777 freighters, operated by American pilots, to strengthen US trade and connectivity and ensure the reliable transport of critical and time-sensitive goods. 

Finally, CMA CGM will open a new logistics R&D hub in Boston, focusing on advanced robotics and automation solutions. Developed in collaboration with leading American technology partners, this innovation hub will optimize logistics services to ensure the best service quality for our American customers.

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