How is CMA CGM Driving Sustainable Freight Operations in UK?

The CMA CGM Group has announced its acquisition of Freightliner, a UK-based rail and road freight operator.

The acquisition is intended to strengthen CMA CGM’s intermodal services in Europe and advance its contribution to a more sustainable form of international trade.

Through this acquisition, CMA CGM aims to enhance its global presence by integrating Freightliner's established UK network.

Although Freightliner is set to continue as a standalone operator, it will now be supported by CMA CGM’s extensive global logistics and shipping network. This collaboration could help both CMA CGM and Freightliner in achieving their respective decarbonisation objectives.

The CMA CGM Group is a global organisation specialising in sea, land, air and logistics solutions. CMA CGM's mission includes fostering sustainable globalisation through responsible trade practices.

It offers end-to-end transport for a wide array of goods by utilising a comprehensive network of shipping, land and airfreight services complemented by warehousing facilities. This integrated network allows for an efficient intermodal approach tailored to customer requirements.

With a strong existing presence in the UK, the CMA CGM Group employs approximately 7,200 people across its maritime logistics and inland services. CMA CGM's shipping agency runs 28 services connecting the UK globally, carrying 802,000 TEUs to and from the country in 2024.

Furthermore, CMA CGM's subsidiary CCIS transported 200,000 TEUs by rail and road between January and July 2025.

The acquisition of Freightliner UK, including its brand, rail and road operations and inland terminals, is a component of CMA CGM's strategy to build a competitive and sustainable transport system in Europe.

A strategic focus on lower-carbon transport

A key motivation behind the acquisition is the strategic transition from road to rail transport, which is central to decarbonising global supply chains.

Rail freight is known to produce considerably less CO₂ compared to road transport, removing thousands of lorries from the roads daily. By adding a prominent UK rail operator to its portfolio, CMA CGM reinforces its commitment to this transition.

CMA CGM has already implemented several sustainability initiatives, including the use of liquefied natural gas, biomethane and biofuel.

These efforts are aimed at reducing the environmental impact of maritime transport and logistics with a long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, says: “The acquisition of Freightliner, a leading rail freight operator, strengthens our intermodal presence in the United Kingdom, a strategic market for CMA CGM. It enables us to connect sea, rail and road more efficiently, delivering better solutions for our customers. It is also a concrete step in expanding lower-carbon transport options supporting both their needs and the decarbonisation of global trade.”

Integrating expertise for sustainable supply chains

The merger combines Freightliner's deep expertise in UK rail operations with CMA CGM’s global intermodal solutions. This integration is expected to create more seamless and efficient transportation for customers across Europe.

Freightliner, which ran its first train from London to Scotland in 1965, has since established a significant presence across the continent.

The operational plan states that Freightliner's UK intermodal business will be run independently with its existing teams.

Other Freightliner businesses, such as Heavy Haul Rotterdam Rail Feeding and Freightliner Poland/Germany, are not included in the transaction.

Tim Shoveller, Chief Executive Officer of Freightliner Group, adds: “This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Intermodal and Heavy Haul, allowing each to focus on its distinct markets under separate ownership. The Intermodal business will become a stand-alone business within CMA CGM’s portfolio with opportunities to collaborate with other arm’s length CMA CGM companies.

"Heavy Haul will continue its growth journey in the bulk materials sector under a new brand with a clear focus on strengthening its position as a key freight operator. Our customers will continue to receive the same high-quality leadership and operational teams and we have robust plans in place to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.”

Enhanced connectivity and future outlook

The acquisition, which is expected to be completed in early 2026, will pave the way for the development of comprehensive intermodal offerings that combine maritime, rail and road transport.

This could lead to better connectivity between the UK and Europe’s major ports through strategically located inland terminals.

By combining the decarbonised logistics solutions of both companies, the merger has the potential to enhance sustainability in UK-based freight.

The acquisition positions CMA CGM to become a key participant in the UK's rail logistics sector, creating greater efficiency throughout its operations and offering customers more sustainable freight options.