CMA CGM plans to double rail volume under CMA RAIL name
France's CMA CGM, the world's third-largest shipping line, will next month establish a management holding company to oversee the expansion of its global rail operations.
The new company, CMA RAIL, is a wholly owned subsidiary of CMA CGM, which has rail services in Europe, India, China and North Africa
CMA Rail Cars
CMA CGM's rail services in Europe reach more than 20 destinations, and there are plans for three new private rail shuttles as well as increased frequency on existing services.
“2007 represents a pivotal year for CMA CGM in terms of establishing and developing its rail freight operations," said Alain Wils, general manager of CMA CGM and president of CMA RAIL. "Our European freight carrying capacity doubled between January and June following our partnership with Veolia, and we have already reached a 98 percent reliability rate on the Marseilles/Ludwigshafen route.
"On the international front, we have signed agreements with the Chinese rail freight subsidiary and with Algeria’s national transport company. We are also in discussions with the Moroccan railway system and with local operators in India. CMA CGM’s decision to launch CMA RAIL highlights its role as a global service provider to its maritime customers.”
