CMA CGM in new terminal venture with private equity firm

The world’s third-largest liner operator is taking a major leap toward becoming a major player in the ports business. French liner CMA CGM and private equity investor Stonepeak of New York today announced the formation of United Ports LLC, a joint venture aimed at expanding the former’s global network of marine terminals. Stonepeak will invest $2.

4 billion in the initiative, and receive a 25% minority stake, the partners said in a release. “The creation of United Ports LLC, our joint venture with Stonepeak, marks an important step in the development of our terminal activities in the United States and globally,” said Rodolphe Saade, chairman and chief executive of closely-held CMA CGM Group.

The venture opened its doors with what are described as 10 key port assets on four continents: Fenix Marine Services (FMS) – Los Angeles Port Liberty terminals – New York and Bayonne Santos terminals – Brazil CSP Valencia and CSP Bilbao – Spain Terminal Marítima del Guadalquivir – Spain TTI Algeciras – Spain Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal – India CMA CGM Kaohsiung Terminal – Taiwan Gemalink – Cai Mep, Vietnam CMA CGM will hold 75% of United Ports, and retain full operational control.

The diversified services provider, which is controlled by the Saade family, plans to reinvest the $2. 4 billion in its core transportation businesses across air cargo, ocean shipping, trucking, and logistics. “Stonepeak is excited to partner with CMA CGM on this transformative platform,” the investor said in the release.

“Container terminals are critical, hard‑to‑replicate infrastructure assets, and we see significant potential to work with CMA CGM to accelerate investment and growth in this sector.”

The venture marks the latest move in an expanding strategy by private equity to invest in ports, the powerful trade junctions connecting ocean lines’ global trade routes with land-based distribution systems.

Stonepeak previously made investments in BMO, a trucking lender; bought Dupre Logistics and Air Transport Services Group; and owns chassis provider TRAC Intermodal. It manages assets of roughly $88 billion. Earlier this year, BlackRock (NYSE: BLK), the world’s largest private equity investor, led a consortium including Mediterranean Shipping Co.

that hoped to acquire 43 terminals in 23 countries operated by CK Hutchison (0000. HK) of Hong Kong, the world’s largest port assets operator, for $23 billion. That deal was blocked by China. BlackRock Chairman Larry Fink called marine terminals as critical to the global economy as data centers and power grids.

The partners said that the ports venture is the beginning of a long‑term relationship between CMA CGM and Stonepeak, including new terminal projects in the U. S. and around the world. As part of the transaction, Stonepeak will have the opportunity to contribute an additional $3. 6 billion in funding for future joint terminal projects.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Read more articles by Stuart Chirls here.

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