CMA CGM expects to operate normal capacity fleet from mid-March

With an upturn in volumes and the production capacity of Chinese manufacturing plants showing signs of improvement since the end of February, CMA CGM expects to operate a normal capacity fleet as of mid-March.

The French carrier noted in its annual results that it has taken longer than usual for business to pick up following Chinese New Year, but “a major catch-up effect is expected once the health situation stabilises, as Western countries will be seeking to rebuild their inventories”.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, said: “The beginning of 2020 has been impacted by the coronavirus epidemic. The group has taken specific measures to protect its employees worldwide. This health crisis has also affected global trade and we have therefore adapted our shipping services.