From January to March, the French group generated revenues of $13.26 billion, marking a 12.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Operating profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose even more sharply—by 29.1%—reaching nearly $3.1 billion.
The container shipping segment benefited from rising demand: the operator transported 5.85 million TEUs in Q1, up 4.2% year-on-year. This translated into revenues of $8.75 billion (an increase of 11.5%). EBITDA for this segment climbed by as much as 30%, reaching $2.53 billion.
The Group’s logistics arm also performed well, with revenues rising 10.1% year-on-year to $4.28 billion. EBITDA in this area amounted to $399 million, up 10.5%. This growth was primarily driven by the consolidation of Bolloré Logistics and the expansion of contract logistics, despite challenges in the vehicle and road transport sectors in Europe.
CMA CGM noted that the early months of 2025 were complicated by new tariffs announced by the United States and China, as well as ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea region. The outlook for global trade remains uncertain, necessitating flexible capacity management, route optimisation, and further investment in forecasting and automation technologies.
“In the face of rising trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty, we delivered solid results, particularly in maritime shipping and terminal investments. We remain focused on cost control, strengthening our presence in growth markets, and leveraging artificial intelligence to meet customer expectations,” said Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group.
Geographic expansion and overseas investments
In the first quarter of 2025, the CMA CGM Group announced a $20 billion investment plan. This includes expanding its US-flagged fleet, modernising ports (including New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami), constructing advanced warehouses, and launching a cargo hub in Chicago.
The operator is also growing its footprint in Asia. CMA CGM Vitoria docked at the port of Nhava Sheva—its first vessel under the Indian flag—symbolising closer cooperation with India.
The Group has also signed agreements to operate a container terminal in Latakia (Syria) and dry ports in Egypt.
Other key developments in Q1 include CEVA Logistics’ acquisition of Turkish company Borusan Logistics and the opening of the Lyon Rhône container terminal at the Port of Édouard Herriot in Lyon.
