CMA CGM Acquires Freightliner UK: Rail Decarbonization Strategy

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Introduction

CMA CGM Group has announced the acquisition of Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics, a leading rail freight operator in the United Kingdom. The deal, which encompasses rail and road operations and inland terminals, is expected to conclude in early 2026, pending regulatory approval.

Acquisition Details

The acquisition by CMA CGM includes rail and road operations, inland terminals, and the Freightliner brand. The deal is anticipated to close in early 2026, contingent upon regulatory approvals. Other Freightliner businesses, including Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding, and Freightliner Poland/Germany, are not included in the acquisition and will remain under their current ownership.

Strategic Rationale

CMA CGM’s acquisition of Freightliner aligns with its strategy to enhance its sustainable transport offerings in Europe. The aim is to accelerate the modal shift from road to rail, contributing to the decarbonization of supply chains. Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, stated that the acquisition strengthens the company’s intermodal presence in the United Kingdom and facilitates more efficient connections between sea, rail, and road, providing improved solutions for customers. The integration supports the expansion of lower-carbon transport options and the decarbonization of global trade.

Operational Continuity

Freightliner UK will continue to operate independently as a multi-user and multi-customer rail freight provider, maintaining its existing teams and management structure. This operational independence is intended to preserve the operator’s expertise and market position while leveraging CMA CGM’s global logistics and shipping network. Tim Shoveller, Chief Executive Officer of Freightliner Group, indicated that the Intermodal business will operate as a standalone entity within CMA CGM’s portfolio, with opportunities to collaborate with other CMA CGM companies. Customers will continue to receive the same operational teams.

CMA CGM’s UK Presence

CMA CGM is already a major logistics player in the UK, with nearly 7,200 employees across its maritime, inland, and logistics operations. Its shipping agency, which has 286 staff members, operates 28 services connecting the UK to global destinations. In 2024, the Group handled 802,000 TEUs in and out of the country. Through its subsidiary CCIS, CMA CGM transported 200,000 TEUs by rail and road between January and July 2025. CEVA Logistics, another subsidiary, employs 6,768 staff across 103 UK sites and manages 718,000 sqm of warehousing space. CEVA provides end-to-end logistics solutions, with annual volumes of 33,800 tonnes in air freight and 69,400 TEUs in ocean freight.

Conclusion

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The CMA CGM Group’s acquisition of Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics is intended to enhance its intermodal capabilities in the United Kingdom, aiming to improve connections between sea, rail, and road transport and contribute to the decarbonization of supply chains. The acquisition is expected to close in early 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

Company Summary

CMA CGM Group: A major global logistics and shipping company with extensive operations, including maritime, inland, and logistics services, and a significant presence in the United Kingdom.

Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics: A leading rail freight operator in the United Kingdom.

CCIS: A subsidiary of CMA CGM that provides rail and road transport services.

CEVA Logistics: A subsidiary of CMA CGM that provides end-to-end logistics solutions.