CMA CGM has just announced that it has "acquired approximately 48% of Santos Brasil, Brazil's leading port infrastructure operator and owner of the largest container terminal in South America. This acquisition marks a major step in the Group's port development strategy and strengthens its position as a global operator of multi-user terminals," according to a press release.
© CMA CGM
8 strategic industrial assets on the south coast of Brazil, one of the world's most dynamic economic regions
Santos Brasil manages a portfolio of 8 assets on the Brazilian coast, including 3 container terminals, 1 vehicle terminal, 1 liquid bulk terminal and 3 logistics facilities. These assets are located in the ports of Santos, Imbituba, Vila do Conde, Itaqui and São Paulo.
In the 12 months until the 30th of June 2024, the company generated sales of 2,549 million Brazilian real (458 million USD) and EBITDA of 1,284 million Brazilian real (230 million USD).
The Tecon Santos terminal is the largest container terminal in South America, and is strategically located. It is an infrastructure with:
- A long-term concession contract (2047);A capacity of 2.5 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot
- Equivalent Units), which can be increased to 3 million TEUs;
- 3 berths to accommodate ships of up to 14,000 TEU;
- Excellent quay productivity, making it the most efficient terminal in the Port of Santos.
Strengthening CMA CGM's presence in Brazil
CMA CGM aims to develop its ports of call at the various Brazilian terminals of Santos Brasil and to improve its offer and the quality of service it provides to the country's exporters and importers, in response to growing regional demand.
The Tecon Santos terminal's potential for increasing capacity and its operational excellence will be invaluable assets in this respect. To keep pace with the growth in volumes, CMA CGM plans to step up investments in terminals and increase vessel capacity, in line with the commitments already made by Santos Brasil to the port authorities.
The management team will remain in place.
Finally, CMA CGM undertakes to continue the efforts made and to maintain the resources implemented by Santos Brasil to decarbonize its activities.
CMA CGM Group, a major supply chain player in Brazil
The CMA CGM Group has been operating in Brazil for over 20 years, with 8 offices and more than 10,000 employees. The Group has developed its activities in the country through internal and external growth, notably with the acquisition of Mercosul Line, a historic shipping company on the South American continent.
Integrated into the Group in 2017, Mercosul Line offers intra-regional and intermodal coastal transport solutions. Today, CMA CGM and Mercosul Line operate 10 weekly maritime services in 14 of the country's ports, linking Brazil to the world's main destinations.
To accelerate the decarbonization of the sector in Brazil, CMA CGM has chartered two container ships powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and intends to expand this effort.
CEVA Logistics, the logistics subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group, also offers end-to-end solutions to its clients, combining international freight and contract logistics, with 530,000 m² of warehousing space at 36 sites. CEVA Logistics employs 7,500 people in Brazil.
The transaction with Opportunity's funds is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals from the relevant Brazilian authorities.
For more information: cmacgm-group.com/fr/