CMA CGM Teams Up With Stonepeak to Launch Global Port Joint Venture

Summary

CMA CGM and infrastructure investor Stonepeak have created United Ports LLC, a new joint venture that aggregates 10 terminals across six countries. Stonepeak is investing $2.4 billion for a minority stake, while CMA CGM will continue to operate the terminals. The portfolio covers key gateways in the U.S. (including Fenix Marine Services at the Port of Los Angeles and Port Liberty in New York–New Jersey) and terminals in Brazil, Spain, India, Taiwan and Vietnam. The deal lets CMA CGM retain operational control while unlocking capital and bringing in a long‑term infrastructure partner to support expansion and modernisation.

Key Points

United Ports LLC bundles 10 terminals across six countries into a single platform.
Stonepeak invests $2.4 billion for a minority stake; CMA CGM remains operator.
U.S. assets include Fenix Marine Services (Port of Los Angeles) and Port Liberty (New York–New Jersey).
International terminals span Brazil, Spain, India, Taiwan and Vietnam, placing the group at the centre of major global trade lanes.
The structure frees CMA CGM capital for other uses while keeping terminals aligned with its shipping operations.
Stonepeak sees container terminals as long‑duration infrastructure with steady demand.
Day‑to‑day terminal operations shouldn’t change immediately, but the JV could shape future expansion and modernisation amid ongoing congestion and labour pressures.

Context and Relevance

This joint venture is part of a wider trend of ocean carriers moving deeper into terminals and inland logistics to better control capacity, resilience and costs. By creating a standalone platform and bringing in institutional capital, CMA CGM follows peers that monetise assets to fund network and fleet investments while retaining operational influence.

For shippers and supply‑chain planners, the move signals continued investment in port capacity and infrastructure — important as ports grapple with congestion, labour challenges and the need to modernise. The geographic spread of assets means United Ports will touch several critical trade corridors, potentially affecting capacity and service in those markets over time.

Author style

Punchy — this deal matters. It’s a strategic, capital‑release move that keeps CMA CGM in the driving seat operationally while giving the terminals long‑term financial backing. Read the detail if you care about port capacity, carrier strategies or infrastructure investment trends.

Why should I read this

Quick and dirty: if you ship stuff or plan supply chains, this affects port capacity and who controls terminal investment. The JV frees up CMA CGM cash, brings deep pockets into terminals and could speed up modernisation — which means fewer surprises at berths, or at least different folks deciding how upgrades happen. Worth a skim if your operations touch ocean gateways.