CMA CGM takes a stake in Long Beach Pier J terminal

The investment makes the carrier a partner in the lease and operations of the 104 ha facility that has a berth length of 1,799 m. It also marks CMA CGM’s first investment in a port on the West Coast of North America and guarantees that its ships will call exclusively at Long Beach when using the San Pedro Bay gateway. CMA CGM’s vessels are currently calling mainly at the SSAMSC Pier A and the TTI/Hanjin Pier T terminals in Long Beach

“Of the large carriers, CMA was the only one that did not have a home locally. We are glad they’ve decided to call Long Beach home,” said Port Executive Director Christopher Lytle. “This agreement validates the investments we are making in our facilities. We are committed to remaining the gateway of choice for trans-Pacific trade.”

Pier J is home to the Pacific Container Terminal. With a water depth of about 50 feet (15.2 m) and 17 post-Panamax gantry cranes, it can serve the largest containerships. The terminal has been operated as a joint venture between global SSA Marine and COSCO. CMA CGM became a partner in the venture in November and officially announced the agreement on December 11, 2012.