CMA CGM and Stonepeak Launch United Ports LLC: A Strategic Joint Venture

In a significant development for the global shipping industry, CMA CGM, a leading maritime transportation and logistics company, has joined forces with Stonepeak, an infrastructure investment firm, to establish a new joint venture named United Ports LLC. This venture consolidates an expansive portfolio of port and terminal assets into a unified operational framework.

Investment Details

As part of this agreement, Stonepeak is set to invest $2.4 billion, securing a minority stake in United Ports LLC. Meanwhile, CMA CGM will maintain operational control over the terminals included in the venture. The joint portfolio encompasses 10 terminals spanning six countries and is strategically positioned at critical trade gateways across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Strategic Assets in Key Locations

In the United States, the joint venture features notable assets such as Fenix Marine Services at the Port of Los Angeles and Port Liberty in the New York–New Jersey area. Internationally, the terminals include locations in Brazil, Spain, India, Taiwan, and Vietnam, effectively making United Ports a pivotal player in several major global trade routes.

A Partnership for Future Growth

CMA CGM views this collaboration as a strategic move that will fortify its terminal operations and pave the way for future expansions. The company emphasized that the joint venture represents a crucial step towards enhancing the efficiency and reliability of port infrastructure.

“The creation of United Ports LLC marks an important step in the development of our terminal activities in the United States and globally,” stated Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group.

Stonepeak’s Perspective

From Stonepeak’s vantage point, this investment underscores confidence in container terminals as vital components of supply chain infrastructure. The firm recognizes that ports play a central role in facilitating global trade and economic progress, making them an ideal alignment for long-term infrastructure investment.

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

The establishment of United Ports LLC comes at a time when ocean carriers are increasingly integrating their operations with terminal management, inland logistics, and comprehensive supply chain services. By streamlining these assets into a dedicated platform, CMA CGM not only conserves capital for other investments but also ensures its terminal network remains closely synchronized with its shipping operations.

For shippers engaged in global trade, this deal signals a continued commitment to enhancing port capacity and terminal operations, especially as challenges such as congestion, labor disputes, and infrastructure limitations persist. Although immediate operational changes at the terminals are not anticipated, the joint venture could influence future expansions and modernization efforts.