CMA CGM, the world's third-largest container shipping company, and Maersk operation APM Terminals have announced new agreements for the port of Dunkirk in France and the port of Mobile in Alabama, US.
At the port of Dunkirk, Terminal Link – CMA CGM's subsidiary dedicated to container terminal investment – has increased its shares in Nord France Terminal International (NFTI) from 30 per cent to 91 per cent following the acquisition of APM's 61 per cent share.
According to the French group, the port is an extremely attractive operational choice for shipping lines with no deviation from the main shipping lane in the English Channel, combined with a natural deepwater port.
CMA CGM is the main customer of NFTI operating four regular services to Dunkirk, including the North Europe French West Indies, the French Asia Line 3, the Panama Direct and the Europe/Morocco service.
Meanwhile, APM Terminals has increased its shares in Mobile Container Terminal LLC (MCT) in Alabama from 80 per cent to 100 per cent through the purchase of Terminal Link's 20 per cent share.
According to APM, MCT offers an enhanced option in the US Gulf for reaching midwest markets, as well as Alabama and neighbouring states.
Services calling at Mobile are CMA CGM's Pacific Express 3, Zim's Gulf Express and Maersk Line's TA2 service and Expresso service.
