French shipping line CMA CGM is opening its first regional office in Africa in Abdidjan, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
The carrier made the announcement last week saying it is “opening a new chapter in Africa by moving its Regional Office to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: a key logistics hub connecting the continent to global trade.”
The company’s regional office for the continent was previously located at its head office in Marseille, France.
The shipping line described the move as brining the shipping line “a step closer to local markets, partnerships and institutions, supporting sustainable growth across the region and reaffirming CMA CGM’s commitment to African economies.”
Adeline Gabillaud, CMA CGM's vice president and Africa regional manager, who has almost 30 years of international experience in logistics and maritime transport, will head up the office. She has moved from Marseille with two colleagues to join the team of experts in commercial services, export pricing, intermodal and equipment management.
The group has had a presence in Africa for more than 50 years with offices in 54 countries, operating 33 maritime services and calling at more than 80 ports.
Key services include:
- Europe-Africa (EURAF): Linking Europe (Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic) with key West and Central African markets with weekly connections.
- MIDAS 1: A weekly service linking West Africa to India, the Middle East, and the Gulf by directly connecting ports such as Pointe-Noire, Tema, and Apapa to hubs like Jebel Ali, Mundra, and Nhava Sheva.
- Asia-Africa services: Providing direct weekly connections between Asia and African ports, including the Kilima service from Asia to East Africa and the WAX services (such as WAX1 and WAX2) serving major West African ports like Abidjan, Lekki, and Kribi.
