United Ports LLC: A new Venture From CMA CGM and Stonepeak

CMA CGM and Stonepeak have announced a joint venture to launch United Ports LLC. 

Through this agreement, CMA CGM will gain ownership of 10 of its operated ports, increasing its operational efficiency and company authority.

The deal is anticipated to open the door for future investments, helping both companies grow their potential.

The joint venture

The CMA CGM Group is a global leader in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, with a presence in 177 countries and headquartered in Marseilles. It serves more than 420 ports with more than 650 vessels in its fleet.

It aims to deliver reliable, valuable, sustainable and efficient integrated solutions to its clients, committed to delivering on its promises of connecting businesses to their customers. 

It has announced a joint venture with Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm which specialises in infrastructure. It aims to create value for its investors and portfolio companies, providing capital, operational support and partnership to those in the logistics, infrastructure and transport industries. 

The US joint venture, launched as United Ports LLC, will lead the acquisition of 10 of the major CMA CGM-operated port terminals around the world. This will develop ownership and further efficiency for CMA CGM Group and its clients, as acquisition means a more secure access to shipping routes. With more access to the key gateways through ownership, there is less reliance on other companies, meaning operations are more streamlined.

The venture is supported by a US$2.4bn investment from Stonepeak for a 25% minority stake.

“The creation of United Ports LLC, our joint venture with Stonepeak, marks an important step in the development of our terminal activities in the United States and globally,” says Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group. 

Growing agency

The venture will cover the transaction of 10 significant assets, three of which are US-based. In March 2025, CMA CGM announced it would invest US$20bn in the US across shipping logistics and terminals. The formation of United Ports LLC marks a step towards investments and company agency.

The key assets include:

• Los Angeles Fenix Marine Services (United States)
• Port Liberty terminals in New York and Bayonne (United States)
• Santos terminals (Brazil)
• CSP Valencia and CSP Bilbao (Spain)
• Terminal Maritima del Guadalquivir (Spain)
• TTI Algeciras (Spain)
• Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (India)
• CMA CGM Kaohsiung Terminal (Taiwan)
• Gemalink in Cai Mep (Vietnam)

Rodolphe continues: “Through this strategic partnership, we bring together ten CMA CGM-operated terminals across six countries, including major facilities such as FMS in Los Angeles, Port Liberty in New York, Santos in Brazil and Nhava Sheva in India. By joining forces with a partner with strong infrastructure expertise, we strengthen our ability to invest further in our port terminals, secure access to key gateways and enhance service quality for our customers.”

All sustainability, net zero and sustainable procurement leaders should attend:

• Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Sustainability LIVE, these events brings together CPOs, CSCO, CSOs, ESG leaders and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

Meeting consumer demand

CMA CGM will hold 75% ownership stakes in United Ports LLC, with Stonepeak holding 25%. It will be under the full operational control of the logistics company. At present, CMA CGM plans to reinvest the US$2.4bn from Stonepeak into the growth of the Group. As demand for efficient logistics grows, it aims to expand its supply chain capacity in order to rise to the challenges.

It will be making improvements across its shipping and logistics solutions across all areas of its capabilities, to ensure it can remain competitive in an increasingly demanding industry.

“Container terminals play an essential role in global trade and are among the most difficult to substitute or replicate transportation infrastructure assets,” adds James Wyper, Senior Managing Director, Head of U.S. Private Equity, and Head of Transportation & Logistics at Stonepeak.

“This joint venture represents a truly differentiated opportunity to invest in a high-quality portfolio of strategically located terminals alongside one of the largest and most respected shipping and logistics groups in the world. We look forward to working closely with CMA CGM’s expert team to support this critical infrastructure.”

The announcement is the start of what is believed to be a long-term relationship between the two companies. As they contribute to this joint venture, they will have the ongoing potential to develop future investment capacity and work across new terminal projects around the world. 

This could see the further growth of CMA CGM as a logistics company, with an increase in capabilities and efficiency across its operations. As part of United Ports LLC, Stonepeak may contribute a further US$3.6bn in funding for future terminal projects. The deal is expected to close in late 2026, with anticipation of increasing opportunities.