Recent Key Updates in International Logistics

1. CMA CGM Acquires Turkish Logistics Company  

CMA CGM’s CEVA signed an agreement to buy 100% of Borusan Tedarik from Borusan Group for USD 440 million. This move aims to strengthen CMA CGM’s global presence in key markets. Borusan Tedarik reported USD 567 million revenue in 2024, with businesses in sea/air freight, contract logistics, and subsidiaries in Germany, China, and other regions. The deal needs regulatory approval.  

2. RCL Orders 4 New Container Ships  

Regional Container Lines (RCL), the world’s 20th-largest container carrier, plans to add 4 new ships (2×11,000 TEU and 2×4,400 TEU) by 2027-2028. RCL did not name the shipyard. With 17 new ships to be delivered, its total capacity (currently 86,400 TEU) will double.  

3. Maersk Updates Container Design  

Maersk will replace its 50-year-old gray-white containers with its brand color “Maersk Blue.” This change creates a unified visual style across ships, planes, and logistics facilities to improve brand recognition.  

4. PIL Expands in Latin America  

On May 2, Pacific International Lines (PIL) opened a new office in Santiago, Chile. It serves as PIL’s Chile headquarters and a regional hub to boost supply chain services in Latin America.  

5. DNV Launches China Container Ship Center  

On April 29, DNV opened a container ship service center in Shanghai. Since Chinese shipyards will build over 70% of global new container ships (including large vessels and alternative-fuel ships), this center will help shipowners and shipyards address construction challenges.  

6. Maersk Launches New Asia-South America Route  

Maersk’s ASAS2 route will start on May 14, 2025. The first ship, *GSL Grania*, will sail from Shanghai to Santos (Brazil) via Vietnam and Singapore, offering two weekly direct services between Asia-Pacific and South America’s east coast.  

7. MSC’s Mega-Ship Docks in West Africa  

On April 28, the 23,964 TEU *MSC Diletta* became the first 20,000+ TEU ship to dock in West African ports (Abidjan, Pointe-Noire, and Tema). This shows West Africa’s growing port capabilities. MSC is shifting more mega-ships to high-profit routes like Asia-West Africa/Mediterranean.  

8. COSCO Shipping Opens Indonesia Direct Route  

A new direct route from Lianyungang Port to Jakarta and Surabaya (Indonesia) started recently. Operated by JH Shipping and managed by Lianyungang Waigang, it expands COSCO’s Southeast Asia network.