Logistics firm CMA CGM will add seven sailings with 7,000-TEU vessels from Asia to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean by the end of the month.
It’s set to increase capacity by 25% on this busy route. It is also expected to ease the high demand from CMA CGM’s French clients and supply chain pressures.
The French peak service will operate on a 15-day rotation, alternating between two routes:
- Yantian – Vung Tau – Singapore – Le Havre – Antwerp – back to China
- Shekou – Vung Tau – Singapore – Fos-sur-Mer – Malta – back to China
Why does this matter? Asia and Europe are major global trade partners, with vast quantities of goods exchanged between the regions. These routes facilitate the movement of consumer goods, electronics, machinery, and raw materials.
Last month, the CMA CGM released its first-quarter financial results. The company’s Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO, said against a backdrop of industry normalization, the business has demonstrated its agility and resilience in adapting to new market conditions.
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Disruptions in the shipping industry
Xeneta is the leading ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and market analytics platform for the shipping and logistics industry.
In a blog post, Xeneta says the ongoing disruption in ocean freight container shipping has seen spot rates soar during May and June across the world’s major trades. It adds there are also implications for the long-term market, especially for freight forwarders.
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How has the conflict in the Red Sea disrupted the dynamics of ocean freight container shipping in 2024?
“Before the escalation of conflict in the Red Sea in December last year, carriers would not have expected a scenario in 2024 where a reduction in available ocean freight container shipping capacity required them to prioritize some customers over others (as had previously happened during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic),” reads Xenta’s pots.
Shipping line Maersk recently concerns about noticing “signs of further port congestion” due to the ongoing Red Sea crisis.
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Photo Credit: CMA CGM (Facebook)
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
