FRANCE: CMA CGM carried volume grew by 13.4% year-on-year to 2.6 million TEUs in the first quarter of 2012, while consolidated revenue increased by 2.6% to $3.6 billion during  the  period.

The first quarter was particularly difficult for the maritime container shipping industry. In a market shaped by persistent overcapacity, freight rates fell to new lows  during the period, while oil prices climbed sharply until mid-March, with Rotterdam bunker prices rising to nearly $720 per ton.

In response to these challenging market conditions, CMA CGM continued to implement its cost reduction plan, which delivered $96.5 million in savings over the quarter, above initial target.

CMA CGM also successfully deployed the operational agreement in partnership with MSC on the Asia/Northern Europe trades and with Maersk on the Asia/Mediterranean lines.

 CMA CGM  represents one of the best financial and operating performances in the container shipping industry for the period. It also expected a strong improvement in the  second quarter.

Since the end of the first quarter, the market has significantly rebounded with several successful freight rates increases. Over the same period, oil prices have decreased significantly, with heavy fuel oil falling close to $560/ton in Rotterdam at the beginning of June, more than 20% below the March peak.

As a result, CMA CGM Group’s performance has improved sharply since the beginning of the second quarter. In particular, the Group reached breakeven in terms of operating profit in April and will pursue its cost reduction plan, which will result in $400 million in savings by year-end.