COVID-19: the CMA CGM Group builds logistics bridge to supply France with medical equipment

© Sheila Fitzgerald

• The CMA CGM Group and its subsidiary CEVA Logistics are mobilizing their expertise and logistical resources to respond to the national emergency
• CEVA Logistics will deliver 20 million masks as well as medical supplies to France by Sunday, April 12^th
• CMA CGM is preparing a maritime bridge to ensure that France is supplied with medical equipment

Thanks to its control of the entire transportation chain, the CMA CGM Group and its subsidiary CEVA Logistics are building a logistical bridge between China and France.

The first two shipments of masks and medical supplies arrive in France on Thursday, April 9^th and Friday, April 10^th. A 600 m³ plane fully chartered by the Group will follow on Sunday, April 12^th. Twenty million masks as well as medical supplies will therefore be delivered to France in 4 days.

The CMA CGM Group pursues its commitment to supply France with medical equipment

CEVA Logistics will then charter two flights every week to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in France. The masks and medical supplies transported by the Group will be distributed to hospitals, nursing homes, local authorities and businesses, particularly in retail.

Present in over 160 countries, the CMA CGM Group is also taking action around the world. In particular, CEVA Logistics is contributing to the logistical bridge arranged from China to the United States and to Latin America.

An extraordinary mobilization made possible by the expertise of the Group and the commitment of its employees

The CMA CGM Group and its subsidiary CEVA Logistics deliver masks and medical supplies in very short time frames, from the moment goods are accepted until they are handed over to the final recipients:

• Collection and pre-carriage from factories in China
• Transportation to CEVA warehouses in China and packaging
• Delivery to airports and chartering of flights
• Loading, unloading and customs clearance in France
• Dispatch and mobilization of the transportation system to ensure delivery to final recipients.

CMA CGM Group employees continue to mobilise on a daily basis to ensure the ocean transportation and delivery of essential goods, particularly food, medical and pharmaceutical products, in France and around the world.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, states: “This unprecedented logistical bridge will supply health products to France in a very short time frame, and thereby help confront the current emergency. As a French company with a global presence, it is incumbent upon us to apply all our expertise to help in these times of crisis. This complex logistics operation was made possible thanks to the mobilization of all Group employees who are accomplishing a remarkable human achievement.”