Modi, Macron visit CMA CGM Group HQ in Marseille

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were welcomed by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO, CMA CGM Group at the Group's headquarters in Marseille.

Discussions focused on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a strategic trade route designed to enhance connectivity between India and Europe, says an official release from CMA CGM.

The CMA CGM Group, as a French company and a global player in maritime, land, air and logistics solutions, intends to actively contribute to the initiative. The IMEC project aims to enhance transit between Europe and India through integrated maritime and land infrastructure while also facilitating energy transport and telecommunications via a subsea cable, the release added.

"This corridor will significantly boost trade between the European Union and the Middle East.

With a modern fleet adapted to alternative energy sources and key port hubs in India, the UAE and the Mediterranean, CMA CGM will be a key contributor to the corridor’s efficiency. Additionally, a network of dry ports along the IMEC rail route - stretching from India through Saudi Arabia and the Middle East to Europe - will leverage the Group’s logistics expertise, reinforcing the economic and strategic vision of this alternative trade route.

"By combining maritime flexibility with land connectivity, CMA CGM will play a vital role in the success of this transformative trade corridor."

CMA CGM’s India operations
With a 34-year presence in India and 17,000 employees, CMA CGM connects the country to the world through 19 weekly maritime services. The Group is also developing port infrastructure in India with strategic investments in terminals at Nhava Sheva Freeport (NSFT), near Mumbai, and Mundra Port.

"In December 2024, the Group made history with its container vessel CMA CGM Fort Diamant (7,300 TEUs), becoming the first LNG-powered ship to call at Nava Sheva Terminal. CMA CGM also promotes innovative block train solutions, reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 67 percent compared to road transport."

CEVA Logistics, CMA CGM’s logistics subsidiary, operates across 105 sites in 31 Indian cities, managing around 900,000 square meters of warehouse space, the release added. The acquisition of Stellar Value Chain Solutions in 2023 further strengthened CEVA Logistics’ role in India’s contract logistics sector, the release added.