CMA CGM Group has the pleasure to announce that CMA CGM BOUGAINVILLE, the largest container ship sailing under the French flag, was inaugurated on Tuesday, October 6 by Mr. François Hollande, President of the French Republic, in Le Havre.
The inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of Jacques Saadé, Founder and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Group, of Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France, of Mr. Alain Vidalies, Minister of State for Transport of France, of Mr. Nabil de Freige, Minister of State for Administrative Reform in Lebanon, representing the Prime Minister, of a large number of French parliamentarians and elected officials, as well as corporate CEOs and clients of CMA CGM Group.
CMA CGM Bougainville, symbol of a fast-growing group contributing to France’s international radiance
More than 90% of the worldwide exchange of goods is done through the sea. Maritime transport plays a key role in these exchanges and is a major contributor to the economy. Positioned on CMA CGM symbolic French Asia Line (FAL) which links Europe to Asia, CMA CGM BOUGAINVILLE personifies all of these exchanges. But it is also the symbol of CMA CGM Group: a French, dynamic, innovative and environment-friendly family group, which is a world leader in maritime transport.
During the inauguration ceremony, Jacques Saadé was keen on thanking the mobilization and efficient support provided by the French diplomatic and consular institutions and representations with the aim of developing France trade relations around the world.
This is a sustainable development for CMA CGM Group according to Jacques Saadé who mentioned the upcoming launching of La Réunion transshipment hub and of the logistical platform in Cuba, and innovations such as Traxens technology which transforms containers into smart connected objects and which equipped a container ship for the first time, i.e. CMA CGM Bougainville.
Jacques Saadé stressed on CMA CGM Group responsible behavior: responsibility as an employer, responsibility towards civil society and responsibility towards the environment.
CMA CGM Bougainville, epitome of a French success story
Mr. François Hollande, President of the French Republic, saluted the success of Jacques Saadé and of CMA CGM Group: “This is a beautiful success, a success for you, your family and your employees. It is also a success for France”.
The President laid emphasis on CMA CGM farsightedness: “You knew that you had to be a length ahead”.
He concluded his speech by saluting the Group’s development which contributes to the development of France: “This genius and this work are the strength of France. […] We should be a length ahead. We will take you as a model”.