CMA CGM commits $20B into U.S. maritime supply chain

CMA CGM Group, a global logistics company and owner of U.S. flag carrier American President Lines (APL), is investing US$20 billion over the next four years to strengthen America’s domestic supply chain and maritime capabilities.

The French shipping company, which has operated in the U.S. for 35 years, said the investment will create 10,000 American jobs and support key infrastructure projects, including expanding U.S.-flagged fleets, upgrading container ports and developing new warehousing and air cargo hubs.

“I am proud to build on our long-standing relationship with the United States through this commitment of $20 billion to the country’s maritime future and logistics capabilities,” said Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group.

The plan includes boosting APL’s U.S. flag fleet, expanding ports in New York, Los Angeles, Houston and Miami, and establishing an air cargo hub in Chicago with five new Boeing 777 freighters. The company will also open a logistics R&D hub in Boston, focusing on robotics and automation.

CMA CGM transports more than five million shipping containers to and from the U.S. annually.