Our History

1978-1995  Visionary insight to create the future of international shipping

The Group’s story begins with two visionary insights. Very early on, founder Jacques Saadé recognized the amazing potential of the container for the future of global trade. Back in the early 1980s, he also foresaw that China would become “the factory of the world” in an increasingly globalized economy. In the space of a few years, making these insights concrete, he created a world-leading shipping company: the CMA adventure had begun!

1978: believing in an idea and bringing it to life

On discovering the steel boxes used by the US Department of Defense to send out clothing and equipment to troops, Jacques Saadé became certain that containers presented enormous potential for international trade. In his eyes, they were not just an excellent way of transporting an infinite range of products while saving space. They could also make shipping safer, more efficient, more flexible and better quality for the thousands of businesses sending their goods worldwide.

The future proved him right and the CMA CGM Group now transports more than 21 million containers (TEU) each year, serving its clients all over the world. But in 1978, the adventure was only just beginning and many were skeptical, believing that ports and clients were not ready... The " "Compagnie Maritime d’Affrètement" had four staff members, one ship and just one shipping route between Beirut, Latakia, Livorno and Marseille. This initial Mediterranean service was developed to include the North American continent and CMA bought its first ships, Ville d’Orient and Ville du Levant. Its aim was to facilitate trade between the east and west Mediterranean using containers. 

A strategy of accelerated growth in Asia

In 1986, CMA became a fast-growing young company, enjoying a solid position in its markets. China’s role at the heart of international trade was confirmed, and the time had come to think bigger. Over the next ten years, a number of strategic initiatives were launched. First of all, we opened offices in Asia: in Hong Kong and Manilla to start, then in Shanghai and all over China. At the time, the Group employed 2,000 people at 63 agencies across the country.

After extending our Northern Europe – Red Sea line as far as Asia, in 1987 we signed a business agreement with major shipping companies serving the Red Sea Express, the shipping route from China to Egypt. 1994 marked a new historic turning point with the launch of the France Asia Line or FAL. This dense and extremely active network allowed our clients to benefit from eight shipping routes between China and Northern Europe.

This strategy of expanding in Asia enabled CMA CGM to become the No. 1 shipping company between Asia and the Mediterranean and No. 2 between Asia and Northern Europe in the space of a few years. 

1996-2016 Creating a world market leader in international transportation

We have listened continually to our clients from the outset and know and understand the challenges they face and the changes in their markets. In the 1990s, with the globalization of trade gaining pace, they wanted a large-scale operator able to transport their goods anywhere quickly, reliably and flexibly. CMA CGM led the charge with a series of structural projects to propel the Group to become one of the leading names in its sector.

Growth boosted by acquisitions

In June 1996, the Group wrote the next chapter in its history by acquiring Compagnie Générale Maritime. Previously dedicated to passenger transportation with its legendary cruise ships, at the time it was focused exclusively on freight activities. It presented solid strengths, with 19 operational vessels, fully trained crews and internationally recognized shipping lines to the West Indies and the Americas. CGM merged with CMA in 1999, giving it a rapid boost. Together, they formed the world’s 12th-largest shipping conglomerate at the time.

Over the next few years, we continued with a very active acquisition policy, including that of Australian National Line, allowing us to open up new routes towards the Asia Pacific region. We then acquired Mac Andrews in the United Kingdom, Delmas in West Africa, CNC in Taiwan, Comanav in Morocco and US Lines in the United States. Then came OPDR, a specialist in door-to-door logistics and shipping over short distances for Northern Europe, the Canary Islands, the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. In 2016, we also acquired NOL, the biggest shipping company listed on the Singapore stock exchange.

Cutting-edge equipment and infrastructure for our clients

To better serve our clients, we redoubled our efforts by enhancing our equipment and infrastructure. In the late 1990s, we started to invest in our own port terminals in order to guarantee the quality and safety of our crews and goods.

Larger, more environmentally friendly and more technologically advanced new vessels joined our fleet. The CMA CGM Jules Verne was delivered in 2013, measuring 396 meters long and with capacity of 16,000 TEU. At the time, it was the biggest container ship to fly the French flag on the world’s biggest shipping route. That same year, we obtained ISO 14001 certification as a result of our innovative investments in ecological containers and ships equipped with the latest technologies and innovations to help protect the environment.

Moving towards intermodal transportation and logistics

In the early 2000s, we identified intermodal transportation as a new way of ensuring even greater satisfaction of our clients and their own clients, offering numerous tangible benefits such as saving time, greater flexibility and simplicity. In 2004, 60-car trains transported up to 120 containers between Le Havre and Marseille, where they were loaded for immediate departure to Algeria. In 2012, we pooled all our multimodal services within “Greenmodal Transport”, combining shipping with road and rail services. We also created CCIS, a new entity dedicated to developing land transportation solutions.

We also laid the foundations for logistics operations, again in response to our clients’ expectations. In 2015, we took care of the management of a logistics platform in Cuba in cooperation with a local company and obtained the concession for the Kribi and Kingston container terminals. A new logistics platform was opened in Douala, Cameroon.

A symbolic new head office in Marseille

In 2006, CMA CGM was the world’s third-largest shipping company. To reflect this new prominence, the Tour CMA CGM, home to our new head office, was inaugurated in 2011 in Marseille. The building was designed by Iraq-born British architect Zaha Hadid, the first woman to win the prestigious Pritzker Prize. The spectacular 147-meter metallic arc is the tallest skyscraper in Marseille. Accommodating 2,400 staff members, it has been designed to meet exacting environmental standards and support our staff members’ development and wellbeing.

Digital technology and innovation to enhance our clients’ experience 

To offer our clients an experience that meets the highest market standards, in 2017 we stepped up the rollout of new generation tools and services, including mobile apps, an e-commerce platform and smart containers. We also interconnected our systems in order to exchange reliable information with clients in real time and adapt to their needs as best possible.

We continue to innovate, now and always. We accompanied the development of a true innovation ecosystem in Marseille, for example by supporting institutions active in this area such as Aix Marseille French Tech and Le Carburateur. In June 2018, we were behind the creation of ZEBOX, an international start-up incubator and accelerator, located at the Cité de l’Innovation et des Savoirs Aix-Marseille.

Bespoke end-to-end transportation solutions

When Rodolphe Saadé took over leadership of the Group, developing a comprehensive range of end-to-end solutions became another strategic priority. In 2019, CMA CGM took a major step forward with the acquisition of logistics giant CEVA Logistics. CMA CGM is a world market leader in transportation and logistics, able to respond to growing demand from its clients for bespoke end-to-end solutions. 

Creation of the CMA CGM AIR CARGO division

In February 2021, CMA CGM AIR CARGO was created, our new division dedicated to air freight with four cargo planes with capacity of 60 tons each. It offers our clients one-stop, quick and agile solutions that complement the Group’s shipping and logistics services. 

TANGRAM: CMA CGM's global center dedicated to innovation and training for the Group's employees

CMA CGM has launched TANGRAM, its new global center dedicated to innovation and training. Located in Marseille, this 8,500 m² site uniquely blends history and modernity, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Each year, over 3,000 CMA CGM team members are trained here on strategic topics such as climate, artificial intelligence, and leadership, in partnership with renowned universities. TANGRAM features immersive spaces, simulators, and an innovation hub, embodying CMA CGM's commitment to transform sustainable transport and logistics while nurturing the talents of tomorrow.

CMA CGM: Transporting emotions

CMA CGM partners with major sporting events to share values of performance, innovation, and determination. As the Official Partner in Logistics solutions of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we provided our logistical expertise to this global event. Through our partnership with Olympique de Marseille, we strengthen our local roots and share a passion for victory. Additionally, our collaboration between CEVA Logistics and the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team combines technology and precision at the highest level. These partnerships reflect our commitment to supporting excellence and connecting the world with the same energy as our logistics solutions, day after day.

CMA MEDIA: Trusted Brands for Quality Information

CMA MEDIA, the media division of the CMA CGM Group, embodies our commitment to reinventing the media sector. Since its launch in 2021, CMA MEDIA has integrated leading titles such as La Provence, Corse Matin, and La Tribune Dimanche, while also strengthening its stakes in Groupe M6 and Brut. In 2024, CMA MEDIA completed the acquisition of BFM TV, BFM Business, and RMC, expanding its presence across all distribution channels: digital, audiovisual, print, and B2B events. This strategic expansion reflects our vision of a more diverse and innovative media sector, meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving world.

Supporting international trade that is more respectful of people and the planet

The Group has stepped up its commitment to the environment, as set out in 2003. Between 2005 and 2015, we reduced our carbon dioxide emissions per TEU transported by 50%. In 2017, we were the first company in the sector to choose liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power nine new giant 23,000 TEU container ships. This was a pioneering decision and a major step forward for shipping: LNG reduces fine particle, nitrogen and sulfur oxide emissions by more than 90%.

In 2019, we announced that our fleet would not be using the Northern Sea Route connecting Asia to Europe, in order to protect biodiversity in the Arctic region. And we were a driving force behind the creation of an international coalition of 17 major groups working together to ensure a successful energy transition in transportation in the years to come. 

The CMA CGM Group’s key events 

• 1978: Jacques Saadé creates Compagnie Maritime d'Affrètement (CMA) in Marseille.
• 1983: CMA continues to extend its shipping lines and crosses the Suez Canal for the first time.
• 1986: Start of the Asian adventure with the extension of the Northern Europe - Red Sea line to Asia.
• 1992: CMA enters China and opens its first office in Shanghai.
• 1996: CMA acquires CGM and gives rise to a French shipping giant.
• 1998: Acquisition of ANL, leader in the transpacific market.
• 2005: Acquisition of Delmas and creation of the CMA CGM Foundation.
• 2011: Inauguration of Tour CMA CGM, designed by Zaha Hadid, the CMA CGM Group’s new head office in Marseille.
• 2014: Acquisition of OPDR, specialist in short sea shipping and door-to-door logistics solutions.
• 2016: Acquisition of APL: CMA CGM strengthens its position on the transpacific
• 2017: Rodolphe Saadé is appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Group. Order for nine giant LNG-powered vessels.
• 2019: Successful friendly takeover bid for CEVA Logistics.
• 2020: Launch of the CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE, the Group’s new flagship and the first 23,000 TEU container ship powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas).
• 2021: Creation of the CMA CGM AIR CARGO division.
• 2022 : Acquisition of Colis Privé, GEFCO, and Ingram CLS to strengthen strategic development in logistics.
• 2022: Strengthening our position in air freight by becoming a new reference shareholder of Air France-KLM.
• 2022: Creation of PULSE, a €1.5 billion Fund for Energies to accelerate the energy transition in transport and logistics.
• 2022 : Acquisition of La Provence and Corse Matin, and of a minority stake in Groupe M6, enabling the Group to expand its media activities.
• 2023: Acquisition of La Méridionale, a further step in the development of CMA CGM's specialized shipping division.
• 2024: Strengthening CMA CGM's logistics expertise in differentiating, high value-added sectors with the acquisition of Bolloré Logistics.
• 2024: CMA CGM inaugurates TANGRAM, the Group's global center for training and innovation, where the future of transport and logistics is being shaped.
• 2024: BFMTV, BFM Business, and RMC join CMA Media, the media subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group.
• 2024: Inauguration of two social innovations by the CMA CGM Foundation: the Solidarity Warehouse and the Pharmabox, designed to meet the needs of NGOs and associations, in support of vulnerable populations.
• 2025: Majority shareholder of Santos Brasil, a multi-terminal operator established in the country and owner of the largest container terminal in South America.
• 2025: Acquisition of Air Belgium’s cargo business, accelerating CMA CGM Group’s expansion in air freight in Europe.
• 2025: Acquisition of the digital media Brut. by CMA Media, a leading pure player present in more than 100 countries.
• 2025: CEVA Logistics strengthens its last-mile offering in France with the acquisition of MIPI by Colis Privé.