France-based container shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM Group has announced a $20 billion investment in the U.S. maritime and logistics sector over the next four years. This investment will include expanding the U.S.-flagged fleet, developing port terminals, establishing an air cargo hub in Chicago, and strengthening warehouse infrastructure. The move aligns with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision of enhancing America’s shipbuilding and maritime transportation capacity.
The company’s CEO, Rodolphe Saadé, met with Trump at the White House and revealed plans to increase the U.S.-flagged fleet from 10 to 30 vessels while investing in the country’s shipbuilding capabilities. The $20 billion investment will be allocated as follows: $8 billion for container ships, $7 billion for logistics infrastructure, $4 billion for port development, and $1 billion for air cargo operations.
Impact on the U.S. Maritime Industry
Trump has emphasized the need for the U.S. to compete with China in maritime transportation and strengthen its military-industrial infrastructure. He has also expressed support for union dockworkers, arguing that foreign shipping companies should invest in American labor rather than automation. CMA CGM stated that it aims to help rebuild American maritime capabilities by adding 20 new vessels to the U.S.-flagged APL (American President Lines) fleet. However, due to limited U.S. shipbuilding capacity, these vessels will most likely be built in South Korea. APL plays a critical role in providing ocean transportation and in-country logistics for the U.S. government and military.
The company will also develop port infrastructure in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Dutch Harbor to enhance efficiency and container throughput. CMA CGM already operates major container terminals at the Port of New York and New Jersey and the Port of Los Angeles, and this investment will further expand digitalization efforts and improve port safety.
Expansion in Air Cargo and Logistics
CMA CGM is also expanding its air cargo operations. The company will establish an air cargo hub in Chicago and deploy five new American-made Boeing 777 freighter aircraft to increase global shipping capacity. CMA CGM Air Cargo currently operates three Boeing 777s and one Airbus A330, with services extending across trans-Pacific and Europe-China routes. Additionally, the company plans to strengthen its warehousing and automotive logistics platforms across the U.S. to enhance supply chain capabilities.
As part of its innovation strategy, CMA CGM will open a new logistics R&D center in Boston in collaboration with American technology partners. This center will focus on advanced robotics and automation solutions to optimize logistics services further.
CMA CGM’s large-scale investment aims to strengthen the U.S. maritime, air cargo, and logistics infrastructure. The company has committed to creating 10,000 new jobs while expanding its U.S.-flagged fleet, port operations, air cargo capacity, and logistics services. However, the fact that most of the new vessels will be built in South Korea may contradict the U.S. goal of increasing domestic shipbuilding capacity. Nevertheless, this investment represents a significant step toward direct foreign investment in the U.S. shipping and logistics industry.
