CMA CGM is strengthening its automotive logistics offering by combining ocean shipping, inland transport, vehicle distribution and supply chain management to help manufacturers maintain production schedules and deliver finished vehicles to international markets.

The French shipping group is highlighting its integrated transport capabilities as automotive manufacturers face pressure to maintain reliable component supplies, manage changing sourcing patterns and coordinate vehicle deliveries across global markets.

Through its shipping network and logistics subsidiary CEVA Logistics, the group provides services covering inbound factory supplies, finished vehicle transport, warehousing and aftermarket distribution.

Automotive manufacturing depends on the timely arrival of thousands of components, often sourced from suppliers across several countries.

A delayed shipment of critical parts can interrupt an entire production line, making transport reliability an important factor in factory operations.

CMA CGM says its global shipping network, alternative routing options and contingency planning help manufacturers align inbound component deliveries with production schedules.

The approach allows automotive customers to adjust transport arrangements when disruptions affect established supply routes or when manufacturing requirements change.

For manufacturers operating across multiple production locations, coordinating these movements can reduce the risk of component shortages and costly interruptions.

For finished vehicles, CMA CGM offers both roll on, roll off (RoRo) shipping and Car in Container solutions.

RoRo transport allows vehicles to be driven directly onto specialized vessels, while containerized shipping provides an alternative for movements requiring integration with established container networks.

According to CMA CGM, its Car in Container solution allows vehicles to be transported without dismantling, reducing preparation requirements and limiting handling risks.

Container compatibility also enables vehicles to move between ocean vessels, rail services and road transport without changing the basic shipping unit.

The two transport methods provide manufacturers and distributors with different options depending on shipment volumes, destinations and distribution requirements.

CEVA Logistics extends the group’s automotive services beyond ocean transport into factory supply, warehousing, vehicle preparation, distribution and aftermarket operations.

These activities cover several stages of the automotive supply chain, from moving components into manufacturing facilities to delivering finished vehicles and replacement parts.

Digital shipment tracking and control tower systems provide customers with visibility over cargo movements and support coordination between transport providers, warehouses and production facilities.

For automotive manufacturers, access to shipment information can help identify potential delays before they affect assembly operations or scheduled vehicle deliveries.

CMA CGM is also offering automotive customers options to address emissions associated with maritime transport.

Its ACT+ CO2 Reduction service uses alternative marine fuels and provides declarations detailing the associated emissions savings.

The service allows customers to incorporate reported maritime emissions reductions into their broader supply chain strategies.

The company has not disclosed specific automotive shipment volumes, new customer contracts or financial targets associated with the offering. It has also not announced additional dedicated vehicle carrier capacity as part of the initiative.

Source: Breakbulk News