CMA CGM puts its expertise at the service of the European space industry

Throughout France, people of all ages will marvel at the star-studded skies during the “Nuits des Etoiles” astronomy events organized from 2 to 4 August. On this occasion, the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics, recalls its role in serving major French and European space sector players.

The CMA CGM Group, with more than 40 years' experience gained on all of the world's seas, is proud to contribute to the supply of the launch pads of the Guiana Space Center in Kourou.

The components transported by CMA CGM Group vessels include:

• Fairings, which are fitted to the end of launchers, protecting the payload at the start of the flight sequence. During this phase, the launcher undergoes extreme aerodynamic, temperature and humidity conditions, hence the need for specific protection;
• Liquid helium loaded in specific containers and used to pressurize rockets' oxygen tanks;
• Casings used to transport satellites, which the Group reships after rocket launches;
• Components involved in the construction of the new launch pad for Ariane 6, the European Space Agency's future launcher, which is set to enter service as from 2020.

The CMA CGM Group's aerospace customers can count on the expertise developed by its Project Cargo division, which offers all the advantages of the regular line for non-standard cargo. SOMARIG, CMA CGM's agency in French Guiana, also offers its specific expertise gained working for the local aerospace industry.

Group customers have access to the two services that cater to French Guiana: NEFGUI (North Europe – French Guiana – North Brazil) and GUYANAS, providing a link to the Guiana Space Center. Each week, these two shipping lines call at the Grand Port Maritime de Guyane seaport in Dégrad des Cannes, French Guiana, offering a quick, reliable and competitive service towards the Group's regional hubs in the French West Indies and Jamaica, and towards Northern Europe.