Arab Finance: French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM plans to increase the number of vessels and shipping services operating through the Suez Canal as more of its fleet returns to the waterway, the SCA stated.
Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President of Assets and Operations at CMA CGM Group, outlined the plan during a videoconference with Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Chairman Osama Rabie and CMA CGM Egypt and Sudan Cluster CEO Tariq Zaghloul.
The meeting focused on the group’s shipping policies, its use of the canal, and opportunities to expand cooperation with the SCA. The talks formed part of the authority’s strategy to maintain direct communication with shipping lines.
In 2025, a total of 212 CMA CGM vessels transited the canal, with combined net tonnage of 18.8 million tons, according to Rabie.
Since the beginning of 2026, 199 vessels operated by the group have used the canal, with net tonnage reaching 25.2 million tons. This means tonnage has already surpassed the full-year 2025 level despite fewer recorded transits.
Alongside its plans to expand canal traffic, CMA CGM is increasing the use of more sustainable operating technologies across its fleet. Cabau Woehrel said a large share of the group’s vessels relies on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a more environmentally sustainable marine fuel.
