The Board of Directors of the CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, met under the chairmanship of Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to review the financial statements for the first quarter of 2025.
Commenting on the results for the period, Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, said:
« In an unstable geopolitical context marked by unprecedented trade tensions, the Group delivered solid performance in the first quarter, driven by the strength of our shipping activity and our long-term investments, particularly in terminals. While the outlook for the rest of the year remains uncertain, our direction is clear: control our costs, strengthen our positions in growth markets, and enhance our commercial agility, notably by leveraging artificial intelligence, to meet our customers’ expectations.»
First-quarter 2025 highlights
Despite an unstable geopolitical climate and an uncertain market environment, the CMA CGM Group achieved a solid performance in the first quarter of 2025.
The global shipping and logistics market has been weathering a highly volatile period since the start of the year. Rising tensions from the introduction of trade barriers, combined with destabilizing geopolitical conflicts, are disrupting the operation of supply chains, which now need to be adapted to the new situation.
In this environment, the CMA CGM Group has once again demonstrated agility and resilience. Underpinned by solid fundamentals and an ambitious strategy, the Group delivered robust first-quarter results, demonstrating its ability to quickly adapt to market developments while continuing to make key investments across its entire value chain in support of its customers and its commitments to innovation and decarbonization.
In the last few months, the Group has also taken several key steps towards implementing its strategy on a global scale.
Maritime Shipping and Logistics
India
Following the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Marseille in February, a symbol of strengthening strategic ties with India in the transport and logistics sector, the CMA CGM Vitoria (the Group’s first Indian-flagged vessel) docked at Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal in a tangible affirmation of closer cooperation.
United States
In February, CMA CGM announced a multi-year USD 20 billion investment plan in the United States to strengthen its presence in the maritime shipping and logistics sectors. Present for 35 years in the US with operations in 40 states, the Group’s plans include expanding its US-flagged fleet, modernizing ports on the East and West coasts, and developing state-of-the-art warehouses across the nation. A major air freight hub will also be set up in Chicago, while port infrastructure will be extended in several strategic locations including New York, Los Angeles, Dutch Harbor, Houston and Miami.
Middle East
As part of its port strategy in the Middle East, the Group has also signed contracts to operate the Latakia container terminal and a dry port in Egypt.
Brazil
Lastly, CMA CGM has become a majority shareholder in Brazil’s strategic multi-terminal operator Santos Brasil, thereby strengthening its position and scope on the South American continent.
Europe
The Group is also maintaining its development momentum by consolidating its presence in the high-potential air freight market with the takeover of Air Belgium’s freight activities.
CEVA Logistics, a subsidiary of CMA CGM, announced its acquisition of all outstanding shares in Borusan Logistics, a major contract logistics player in Turkey. With this strategic transaction, the Group will be able to occupy a significantly larger footprint in this key region and enjoy favorable long-term growth prospects.
In France, CMA CGM is continuing to invest in local logistics infrastructure. The Group has officially begun operating the Lyon Rhône Terminal, a container terminal at Lyon’s Port Édouard Herriot, through a consortium in which it has a 67% stake. The terminal is designed to support the growth of inland waterway operations and intermodal transport in France and Europe.
Transformation and Innovation
On the technology front, the Group is furthering its ambitious innovation strategy with a strategic partnership entered into with Mistral AI, coupled with a €100 million investment. The aim of the partnership is to develop bespoke artificial intelligence solutions for the maritime, logistics and media sectors by mobilizing Mistral AI teams alongside CMA CGM teams.
In Marseille, the new Grand Central site will be home to ZEBOX, the start-up gas pedal, the Phare, the social incubator of the CMA CGM Foundation, as well as the Albert School and Ecole 42 Marseille, consolidating the Group’s vision in favor of innovation, education and inclusion. CMA Media’s Marseille operations are also located at Grand Central, including the editorial offices of La Provence.
Purpose
In line with its commitment to unite its employees around a clear and inspiring vision that can give meaning to all its businesses and guide its development, and under the impetus of Rodolphe Saadé, the Group has defined its Purpose: We imagine better ways to serve a world in motion. This Purpose reflects the day-to-day utility of the CMA CGM Group’s businesses and goals in society, as well as its commitment to all stakeholders: employees, customers, partners and members of civil society.
First-quarter 2025 operating and financial performance
CMA CGM Group: a robust performance in an uncertain market environment
After the many operational challenges of 2024 caused by the situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, 2025 got underway against a backdrop of market uncertainty created by escalating geopolitical tensions and a resumption of the trade war between the United States and China. Nevertheless, demand for transport and logistics services remained buoyant, enabling the Group to deliver a solid performance for the first quarter of 2025.
Revenue stood at USD 13.3 billion in the first quarter of 2025, driven mostly by the Group’s maritime shipping business. EBITDA totaled USD 3.1 billion, 29.1% higher than in first-quarter 2024. EBITDA margin came in at 23.3%, up 3.1 points.
Shipping
First-Quarter 2025
CMA CGM carried 5.8 million TEUs in the first quarter of 2025, up 4.2% from the prior-year period. The increase can be attributed to sustained global trade and demand for freight transport in the first quarter.
Consolidated revenue from maritime shipping operations amounted to USD 8.8 billion over the quarter, up 11.5% year on year. EBITDA totaled USD 2.5 billion, 30.0% higher than in first-quarter 2024. EBITDA margin came in at 28.9%, up 4.1 points. Average revenue per TEU amounted to USD 1,498, up 7.1% year on year.
Logistics
In the first quarter, the Group’s logistics activities continued to grow, boosted in particular by the consolidation of Bolloré Logistics on February 29, 2024, and good momentum in Contract Logistics. Automotive market challenges hampered the performance of the Finished Vehicle Logistics and Road Haulage businesses, particularly in Europe.
Revenue from logistics activities totaled USD 4.3 billion in the first quarter of the year. EBITDA stood at USD 399 million, a 10.5% increase on first-quarter 2024.
Other activities
Revenue from other activities (port terminals, CMA CGM Air Cargo, CMA Media, etc.) increased by 30.9% to USD 833 million. EBITDA rose by 91.5% to USD 157 million, driven by the inclusion of RMC BFM in the scope of consolidation and a good performance in terminals and air freight.