CMA CGM containers

Shipping giant CMA CGM has moved to bolster its operations in the South Pacific.

The French headquartered firm, through its subsidiary ANL, has reached an agreement to purchase the majority of shares in Sofrana Unilines.

Sofrana operates directly or in partnership a fleet of 10 vessels on eight trade-lanes, servicing 21 ports in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

ANL already offers 16 trade lanes servicing ports throughout the South Pacific region, along with North Asia, South East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and North America.

The newly combined group, Sofrana ANL, will join CMA CGM’s large portfolio of regional experts: OPDR and MacAndrews in Europe, along with CNC in Asia.

The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of October.