French shipping group CMA CGM has announced a joint venture with US investment firm Stonepeak to operate and invest in port terminals. The $10 billion deal will see Stonepeak acquire a 25% minority stake, while CMA CGM will fold in 10 terminals it already controls.
This move marks an important step in the development of CMA CGM's terminal activities in the United States and globally. With this investment, CMA CGM aims to reinforce its access to key routes and reduce its reliance on volatile earnings from ocean transport.
The joint venture is expected to close in the second half of this year and will cover terminals in the US, Spain, Brazil, India, Taiwan, and Vietnam. This partnership highlights the growing importance of port infrastructure in the shipping industry, as companies look to diversify their revenue streams and reduce risks associated with ocean transport.
CMA CGM's investment in the US is part of its $20 billion plan announced last year, which has been welcomed by President Donald Trump. The deal also underscores the strategic interest of Stonepeak, a US-based investment firm with around $80 billion under management, in infrastructure investments.
As the shipping industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of global trade and commerce.
This joint venture is a strategic move by CMA CGM to strengthen its presence in key markets and reduce its dependence on ocean transport. With Stonepeak's investment, CMA CGM can focus on growing its core businesses while diversifying into new revenue streams through port investments.
