The CMA CGM Group reported a 70 percent increase in sales to $18.2 billion for the first quarter of 2022 and EBITDA nearly tripled to $8.9 billion, thanks to shipping activities.

“During the first quarter, our Group accelerated the implementation of its strategy to become a global leader in integrated logistics,” said Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Group. “We have also taken further steps in our energy transition by forging innovative partnerships to develop low-carbon fuels and by deciding to diversify the energy sources for our future ships.

“Due to strong demand, lack of available transport capacity and ongoing congestion in ports, tensions in global supply chains are expected to continue. We remain mobilized to improve service quality and meet our customers' logistical challenges We are also vigilant about the risk of a deterioration in the global economic situation, related to the pandemic, the rise in inflation and the war in Ukraine."

The Group has placed a new order for 16 vessels, including 10 dual fuel LNG-powered and 6 dual fuel methanol-powered, bringing the order book to 69 vessels.

“Three new 15,000 TEU vessels and five new chartered 15,000 TEU vessels have been added to the Group's fleet in the first quarter of 2022.”

No fewer than 95,000 containers were added in the first quarter, the statement said.

The Group has investments in more than 50 port terminals in 33 countries.

The Group has completed the acquisition of a 90 percent stake in the Fenix ​​Marine Services (FMS) terminal in Los Angeles. The group previously owned 10 percent of the terminal before this transaction and is therefore now the sole owner, the statement said.

“Following a tender procedure for the concession of the container terminal at the Port of Beirut, CMA Terminals, a wholly owned subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group, was appointed to manage, operate and maintain the terminal for a period of ten years. started in March 2022 with a target of 1.4 million TEUs and a $33 million investment plan to upgrade the terminal.”

“The Group supports the growth of CMA CGM AIR CARGO investments in a fleet that will count 12 aircraft by 2026, including four new Airbus A350F to be added to the fleet between 2025 and 2026.

The sharp rise in energy prices, combined with price inflation for many commodities, is weighing on retail consumption and could negatively impact the economic situation and the outlook for global trade, the statement said.