According to local media reports, Rudolf Saadé, the Chairman and CEO of the global shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM, visited Algeria on June 2nd. During this visit, Saadé held talks with the President of Algeria to discuss opportunities for "strengthening port and logistics cooperation."

While CMA CGM did not comment on this, local media reports indicate that the group plans to invest billions of euros in Algeria by constructing modern port infrastructure, container terminals, and directly engaging in logistics transportation to drive development in the medium term. This initiative is part of CMA CGM's strategic plan to enter the North African market and the trade corridor south of the Sahara in Africa.

Additionally, CMA CGM plans to launch a new route connecting the French city of Marseille with the Algerian port city of Oran, operated by its subsidiary La Méridionale, and offering roll-on/roll-off services.

Through its LNG-powered container ships, CMA CGM can reduce transport times between France and Algeria to less than 48 hours, which will help reshape trade dynamics between the two shores of the Mediterranean.

Furthermore, through its subsidiary CGM CMA Terminals, CMA CGM will invest in the reconstruction of the port of Oran, carrying out dredging operations, upgrading docks and handling facilities to achieve an annual throughput of over 1 million TEUs and directly create more than 2000 job opportunities.

It is understood that Oran currently has six container lines, two of which are operated by CMA CGM.

While focusing on the deepwater port of Djen Djen in Algeria, CMA CGM also operates the only line in the region, connecting Barcelona and Malta. Currently, the terminal is operated by DP World.

In an interview with local media after meeting with the Algerian head of state, Saadé expressed confidence in Algeria's development, acknowledging the country's immense potential. He stated, "We will work to overcome operational difficulties and move in the right direction."

CMA CGM already conducts business in several ports in Algeria, and this investment will elevate its operations in the country to new heights, especially in terms of comprehensive management of strategic port terminals.

As of now, CMA CGM's major investments in North Africa have been focused on Morocco. In October last year, CMA CGM and Marsa Maroc established a joint venture investing $280 million in constructing a new container terminal. Additionally, CMA CGM owns a terminal in Casablanca and holds a 40% stake in the Tangier Med terminal. They operate a ferry line between Marseille and Tangier in collaboration with La Méridionale.