Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of the CMA CGM Group, has announced a $20 billion investment (over the next 4 years) and the creation of 10,000 jobs in the United States. The announcement was made in the Oval Office, alongside Donald Trump. This includes sea and air freight activities as well as logistics. The Group's objective is to "contribute to the maritime economy of the United States and support the transformation of American supply chains," according to a press release from CMA CGM, which has been present across the Atlantic for 35 years (in 40 states).
"CMA CGM is strengthening its long-standing relationship with the United States through this $20 billion investment in the country's maritime future and logistics capabilities," explains the CEO. "Over the next four years, we will significantly expand our US-flagged fleet, increase capacity at key container ports on the east and west coasts, develop state-of-the-art warehouses across the country, and establish a major air cargo hub in Chicago. This investment will create 10,000 new jobs in the United States and further strengthen our partnership with our American clients and public authorities."
The CMA CGM Group's investment plan, as indicated in the press release:
Support US shipbuilding by increasing the US-flagged fleet and jobs in the sector
The Group wants to develop American maritime capacities, in particular the APL fleet [American President Lines acquired by CMA CGM in 2016] under the American flag, with new jobs and new skills and technologies. In this way, it will help to strengthen US shipbuilding capabilities, a priority of the US administration. These commitments will strengthen APL's position as the primary cargo carrier for the US government while ensuring safe, open, and reliable access to global shipping lanes.
Expansion of container terminals on the east and west coasts
CMA CGM will also expand its port infrastructure throughout the country, particularly at strategic locations in New York, Los Angeles, Dutch Harbor, Houston, and Miami. These investments will help make operations and supply chains more efficient and accelerate digitalization and connectivity while enhancing the safety of port workers and goods.
New warehouses and automotive logistics platforms
This investment will boost the US supply chain with the opening of state-of-the-art automotive warehouses and logistics hubs across the country. These new solutions will ensure the security and reliability of US supply chains.
Creation of an air freight hub in Chicago
The CMA CGM Group will expand its air cargo capacity in the United States with the creation of a new hub in Chicago and the deployment of five new Boeing 777 freighters. They will be operated by American pilots. This will strengthen trade and connectivity in the United States and ensure rapid delivery of goods.
Accelerating investment in Research and Development (R&D) and innovation in logistics
To remain at the forefront of innovation, the CMA CGM Group will open a new logistics R&D center in Boston, focusing on innovative robotics and automation solutions. Developed in collaboration with leading US tech partners, this innovation hub will optimize services in logistics to ensure the highest quality of service for the Group's US clients.
For more information:
cmacgm-group.com
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