CMA CGM Group has announced plans for a $20 billion investment into the development of its facilities and infrastructure in the United States, including a new logistics R&D hub focusing on advanced robotics and automation systems.
Acceleration of R&D and innovation in logistics has been highlighted as one of the key goals of the overall investment programme, as well as the development of container ports on the East and West coasts to improve digitisation and connectivity, and increase safety for port workers and cargo.
The new logistics R&D hub will be located in Boston and will be developed in collaboration with American technology partners to support the application of new innovations to the optimisation of logistics services.
As owner of the US flag carrier American President Lines (APL) and operator of one of the world’s largest fleets, CMA CGM Group has a presence in 40 US states and transports over 5 million shipping containers to and from the country each year.
“I am proud to build on our long-standing relationship with the United States through this commitment of $20 billion to the country’s maritime future and logistics capabilities,” said Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group.
“Over the next four years, we will significantly grow our US-flagged fleet, expand the capacity of key container ports on both coasts, develop state-of-the-art warehousing across the country, and establish a significant air cargo hub in Chicago. This will create 10,000 new American jobs and further strengthen our partnership with American customers and public authorities.”
