French line continues its Africa safari

Growing its African

footprint remains a top

priority for CMA CGM

as it continues to invest

in the continent.

In August the liner, as part of

a consortium formed by Bolloré

Africa Logistics and China

Harbour Engineering Company,

obtained the Kribi Container

Terminal concession in Cameroon,

one of the biggest growing markets

in Africa.

According to a spokesman, the

goal with this container terminal

is to create a regional hub for

the African Atlantic coast from

Senegal to Gabon.

“Big capacity vessels will call

this port from both the European

and Asian markets. It will play

an integral role in supplying

countries without maritime access

such as Chad and the Central

African Republic,” the spokesman

told FTW.

Having embarked on a five-year

development strategy for Africa,

the line believes it is all about

improving its services on the

continent.

“New services are being

introduced every year while new

ports of call are being opened

as we increase our presence in

Africa,” said the spokesman.

Another recent development –

CC Inter Africa, a joint venture

with a South African company –

speaks directly to the company’s

plan of being not only a maritime

but a logistics service provider in

Africa.

“This venture, created in

February this year, is to ensure all

inland services to our customers

are delivered whenever requested

in South Africa and over-border

by rail

or truck. The creation of CC Inter

Africa is linked with the group’s

global strategy in Africa,” said

the spokesman. “CMA CGM is

strengthening its development

by increasing its presence and

pursuing its end-to-end offer.”

CAPTION

Kribi Container Terminal in Cameroon will create a regional hub

for the African Atlantic coast from Senegal to Gabon.

Photo: Supplied SDV