CMA CGM partners with Google to ‘lead the digital revolution in shipping’

July 18, 2024, by Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

French container and logistics company CMA CGM and American corporation Google have embarked on a strategic partnership to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across CMA CGM’s operations worldwide.

The partnership is aimed at boosting shipping and logistics efficiency and adaptability.

“I am pleased to announce this global partnership between the CMA CGM Group and Google to accelerate AI adoption across our operations. This collaboration aligns with our digital roadmap and investments, marking a crucial step in our transformation strategy. Together with Google, we will lead the digital revolution in shipping, logistics and media, optimize our processes, and enhance our competitive edge. We are committed to driving innovation with tangible benefits for our staff members and our customers,” Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, commented.

By leveraging Google’s AI solutions and insights from experts, the shipping major said it will help empower its employees’ decision-making. Every program and tool developed within the partnership will be designed to assist users in their decision-making processes across several key workflows.

As explained, the collaboration aims to ‘revolutionize shipping’ by enhancing efficiency, responsiveness, and adaptability to market fluctuations and disruptions, resulting in faster and more responsive customer service. As part of the partnership, CMA CGM will optimize vessel routes, container handling, and inventory management to ensure efficient and timely delivery of goods while minimizing costs and carbon footprints.

CEVA Logistics, the logistics arm of CMA CGM, will pioneer the data-driven future of logistics, focusing first on warehouse smart management aimed at better operating its 10.3 million square meters of warehouse space. The smart management tool, built on Google technology, will allow CEVA Logistics to better anticipate and plan its operations thanks to enhanced volume & demand forecasting.

Furthermore, the partnership will extend to CMA Media, providing an edge for CMA in the media landscape.

The partnership is expected to eventually benefit all CMA CGM associates thanks to dedicated high-impact training sessions at TANGRAM, the Group’s excellence center for learning and innovation.

This collaboration is part of CMA CGM’s overall strategy to transform its business through AI innovation. It follows key moves such as CMA CGM’s investment in Mistral AI, PoolSide, and Dataiku, as well as the launch of open science lab, Kyutai.

“By combining CMA CGM’s deep expertise in shipping and logistics with Google’s AI tools and secure infrastructure we can help CMA CGM digitally transform its own operations and those of its customers. This partnership is a prime example of how AI can assist employees, improve outcomes for customers, and revolutionize industries,” Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, said.