CMA CGM will return to Ports of Montreal and Halifax under “its own sail”. After having operated for a number of years through a slotting arrangement with Maersk Line, the French carrier will now continue this partnership through a VSA (Vessel Sharing Agreement), with CMA CGM providing one out of four vessels. Port rotation and transit times will remain unchanged.
CMA CGM has chartered the Antje Wulff, a 2,700-TEU container vessel which will be phased into the Saint-Laurent service starting as of the middle of April. “We are excited to return to Montreal and Halifax as vessel providers” explains Lionel Chatelet, General Manager of CMA CGM Canada.
“This service has an outstanding record for service reliability and we will do our utmost to maintain that reputation. Having our own tonnage in this service will give us greater flexibility to accept out-of-gauge cargo and breakbulk”. “In addition, CMA CGM will have access to larger reefer capacity which will be of particular interest to our export customers in Halifax” adds Caroline Mallette, Sales Manager for Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
“CMA CGM is a longstanding European partner of Port of Montreal, which welcomes the world’s leading marine carriers. Our business relations are promised a bright future thanks to the new free trade agreement between Canada and the European Union that will promote trade on both sides of the Atlantic,” stated Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of Montreal Port Authority.
Founded in 1978 in Marseille, CMA CGM ranks third in the world and first in France in marine container shipping. The Antje Wulff is expected at the Port of Montreal at the end of April. It will provide freight transportation on the Montreal – Halifax – Rotterdam – Bremerhaven – Antwerp – Montreal service.