CMA CGM buys into Long Beach's Pier J, San Pedro's mega ship dock

MARSEILLE's CMA CGM, the world's third-biggest container line, will purchase a stake in the port of Long Beach's 256-acre Pier J terminal, marking first time the carrier has invested in a US west coast port, ensuring its ships will call at Long Beach rather than LA.

Pacific Container Terminal is based at Pier J, a mega ship-friendly dock with 15.2 metres alongside as well as 17 post-panamax gantry cranes. The arrangement is expected to bring an additional 2.6 million TEU and revenues of US$70 million over five years.

The terminal has been operated as a joint-venture between Cosco and global maritime services company SSA Marine, though CMA CGM ships have been calling for many years.

Said CMA CGM Group executive officer Farid Salem: "Investing in Pier J, ensures that the largest vessels deployed in the transpacific trade will be efficiently managed. This first new investment for our group on the US west coast. It reinforces our position in North America and demonstrates CMA CGM's strong involvement to develop transport infrastructure and to improve quality of service."