CMA CGM reported strong growth in maritime volumes transported in the second quarter of 2026, with year-on-year volume growth of 6% supported by sustained freight rates, according to the Group’s financial results published for the period.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, said the company delivered solid second-quarter results despite continued geopolitical instability. He said the performance was driven by shipping activities, growth in the terminals and air cargo businesses, and the complementary strengths of the Group’s logistics operations.

“This performance reflects our strategy of expanding in key markets and investing in strategic assets,” Saadé said. “They once again demonstrate the strength of our model, our agility and our resilience, all in support of delivering reliable, high-quality service to our customers.”

The Group said the second quarter of 2026 was marked by a particularly volatile environment for the shipping and logistics industry, with geopolitical conflicts multiplying, especially in the Middle East, and macroeconomic uncertainty remaining high. Global trade stayed dynamic, supported by resilient consumer demand, sustained corporate investment generating import-export flows, inventory restocking amid uncertainty, and accelerated orders ahead of new tariffs.

In response, CMA CGM said it adjusted its network and operations, optimized fleet deployment and maintained disciplined cost control. The company said its operational flexibility and network agility helped it post strong growth in transported volumes, while sustained freight rates offset additional costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East, including vessel immobilization, higher insurance premiums and lower volumes on services calling at the region.

Maritime

CMA CGM said it continued to strengthen its global network in the second quarter, expand its presence in strategic markets and accelerate fleet modernization to support international trade growth and advance its decarbonization strategy.

The Group launched several new services, including Ocean Rise Express, which connects Japan, Southern China and Northern Europe, and Mekong Transpacific Express, which links Vietnam to the US West Coast. It also enhanced the transatlantic PAD service, which now calls at the Port of Cork to strengthen Ireland’s global connectivity.

The company also expanded its presence in West Africa with the opening of its regional office in Abidjan and the first call of the CMA CGM ZEPHYR on the WAX 1 service, which is now operated directly by the Group.

To address disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, CMA CGM said it continued to deploy alternative multimodal corridors to maintain supply chain continuity for customers moving goods to and from Gulf countries.

The quarter also saw the entry into service of the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, described by the Group as the world’s largest LNG-powered containership operating under the French flag. After its first calls in Asia, the vessel was officially inaugurated in Le Havre and then completed its first bio-LNG bunkering operation in Rotterdam.

Logistics

In logistics, CEVA continued expanding its capabilities, international network and service offering.

In automotive logistics, CEVA signed memoranda of understanding with BYD and Chery Auto to develop end-to-end global logistics solutions and support their international expansion.

In contract logistics, CEVA opened an automated distribution center in Alashankou, China, to support trans-Eurasian road freight growth and strengthen distribution capabilities along the corridor.

In air freight, CEVA expanded its Asia-Pacific to United States capacity through new charter operations connecting Vietnam and China with the US market.

In ground transport, CEVA invested in a new fleet of low-emission vehicles in the United Kingdom to strengthen its transport network and continue decarbonizing operations.

In last-mile logistics, Colis Privé, a CEVA Logistics subsidiary, announced its planned acquisition of Paack to strengthen e-commerce delivery capabilities in France, Spain and Portugal.

Other activities

In terminals and infrastructure, CMA CGM launched the second phase of the expansion of the Gemalink container terminal in Vietnam to support regional trade growth.

In Africa, during the Africa Forward Summit, Rodolphe Saadé signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Government of Kenya to support the development of transport and logistics infrastructure and reaffirm the Group’s long-term commitment to the continent.

In air freight, the Group acquired Crystal Aero Solutions in June. The company specializes in aircraft maintenance services, and the acquisition is intended to strengthen CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s maintenance capabilities, improve the operational availability of its fleet and support Crystal Aero Solutions’ continued development as an independent service provider.

In media, BFMTV maintained its position as France’s leading news channel throughout the quarter, a status it has held continuously since March. CMA Media also played a key role in organizing the WAN-IFRA World News Media Congress in Marseille, contributing to its international reach and bringing together leading French and global media players. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, RMC and Brut provided editorial coverage from New York and achieved record audience performances across their platforms.

Source: CMA CGM tweet