SIIM will consolidate over 5,000 containers from Africa and Latin America through Dunkirk in 2026, for an annual volume of more than 80,000 tonnes
SIIM and CMA CGM have signed a strategic agreement for 2026 covering the weekly transport of more than 70 refrigerated containers of pineapples and bananas from Latin America to Dunkirk.
With this flow, SIIM said it will consolidate over 5,000 containers originating from Africa and Latin America in 2026.
This partnership ”confirms Dunkirk’s position as France’s leading port for tropical fruits”, a statement noted, strengthening a ”high-performing logistics and food supply chain”.
”After several months of jointly developing a logistics solution from Latin America, CMA CGM and SIIM, a subsidiary of the Omer-Decugis & Cie Group, are strengthening their partnership with the signing of an agreement for the transport of bananas and pineapples from Colombia, Costa Rica and Ecuador to Dunkirk,” the groups confirmed.
The agreement represents an annual volume of more than 80,000 tonnes, now carried by CMA CGM.
From January 2026, more than 70 refrigerated containers will be transported each week on the new configuration of the Newfi (PCRF XL) service linking Latin America to Northern Europe, operated by CMA CGM, with exclusive discharge in Dunkirk, the first European port of call served.
These flows, handled by SIIM – specialising in the production, import and ripening of tropical fruits and vegetables and previously routed through the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp – will now be directed to the French port.
“By choosing CMA CGM and the Port of Dunkirk for the transport of its fruit, SIIM confirms the reliability and performance of our offer connecting Latin America, the Caribbean and Northern Europe,” said Pascal Hirn, senior vice-president of CMA CGM, in charge of shipping lines.
“The strengthening of this service, supported by the arrival of new-generation vessels and the port’s operational capacities, enables us to provide a regular, competitive and sustainable service.
“Together with Dunkirk Port, we are fully committed to supporting the tropical fruit sector and meeting the expectations of French and European importers,” he outlined.
Vincent Omer-Decugis, chairman and CEO of Omer-Decugis & Cie, highlighted the underlying numbers behind the agreement.
“With this bilateral agreement, which further consolidates our partnership with the CMA CGM Group, 50 per cent of our pineapple and banana volumes will now transit via Dunkirk, in addition to the 20,000 tonnes we were already routing from the African continent (mangoes, coconuts and other exotic fruits) to the French port,” he said.
”This strategic agreement is fully aligned with our 2030 development plan.
“It also reflects our ambitions for a decarbonised and sustainable logistics model, supported by the opening of our new logistics and ripening facility, located immediately next to the container terminal, planned for summer 2027 and whose construction is due to begin next spring,” he said.
Daniel Deschodt, deputy managing director of Dunkirk Port, said the agreement showcased “excellence-driven ecosystem” dedicated to the transport and logistics of temperature-controlled goods at the Port of Dunkirk.
“The strengthening of CMA CGM’s Newfi service expands import opportunities from Latin America, while SIIM confirms, year after year, that it considers Dunkirk a major hub for the logistical handling of its flows,” Deschodt commented.
”The commissioning in 2027 of a major ripening and logistics platform, located immediately adjacent to the container terminal, will bring added value and job creation for the entire port community.
”I sincerely thank our two partners for their trust,” he added.
Omer-Decugis & Cie said that the agreement is part of its ambition to make Dunkirk the main port of destination for its products.
Beyond its West African mango and coconut campaigns, SIIM will now route more than 10,000 TEU through the port in 2026.
”Supported by Dunkirk Port and the wider port community, this partnership further consolidates the French port’s position as a major logistics hub in Northern Europe for the distribution of temperature-controlled fruits and vegetables, and strengthens its status as a preferred gateway for fruits from Africa and Latin America,” it stated.
CMA CGM is now enhancing its service connecting Latin America, the Caribbean and Northern Europe.
The service, linking the French West Indies, the Caribbean and Northern Europe, will increase from six to seven vessels, with enhanced reefer capacity and a new call at Puerto Antioquia, which will facilitate banana exports from Colombia.
”CMA CGM is thus strengthening its role as a logistics partner for imports from Latin America and the Caribbean, essential to France’s food supply,” it pointed out.
As the first port of call, Dunkirk will benefit from a reliable, regular service suited to the needs of French and European importers, thanks to the Flandres Terminal operated by CMA CGM.
CMA CGM also contributes to the decarbonisation of this service through its LNG-powered fleet and through the port’s innovative equipment, such as LNG bunkering and shore-to-ship power connection.
”This shared momentum confirms Dunkirk’s position as a benchmark port for reefer flows and as a pioneer in the energy transition,” the statement concluded.
