French shipping line CMA CGM has entered into exclusive talks to acquire 100 percent of French shipping company La Méridionale in an effort to strengthen its Mediterranean presence.
Based in Marseille, France, La Méridionale operates regular passenger and freight transport services in the Mediterranean Sea, primarily between the French mainland, Corsica, and Sardinia.
In 2020 it opened a regular route between Marseille and Tanger-Med, operating four crossings to Morocco per week and up to six during the summer season.
In addition to its ferry services, La Méridionale also provides logistics and freight transport services, including refrigerated transport for perishable goods.
The company’s fleet includes four roll-on/roll-off passenger (RoPax) vessels that transported over 209,000 passengers and 94,000 cars in 2022. It employs about 600 people including 490 crew.
CMA CGM said it will aim restore growth for La Méridionale through commercial synergies in France and abroad, with emphasis on roll-on/roll-off shipping services to Morocco.
It also said will invest in La Méridionale’s fleet and continue with the company’s energy transition efforts.
