CMA CGM Group and Hamburg Süd are extending their cooperation with new services and slot sharing agreements.

Hamburg Süd has already begun taking slots on CMA CGM's PEX 2 service between Asia and the Caribbean, and its Brazex service from Manaus to the Caribbean.

Provided the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) grants approval, the lines will start a new pendulum service connecting Asia, the Caribbean, the US East Coast and North Europe. The transatlantic side will be operated together with United Arab Shipping Company (UASC), with the service complementing the one connecting Asia with US East Coast via Suez.

Details of new service configurations between Asia and both South American coasts are being finalised with "further partners" and details are expected shortly.

“CMA CGM has signed a major new agreement with a valuable partner. This partnership reinforces the group’s position in South and North America, reflecting our ambitions in this rapidly growing area and giving us the means to accelerate our development,” said Rodolphe Saadé, CMA CGM vice chairman.

Ottmar Gast, Hamburg Süd ceo commented: “We value the partnership with CMA-CGM and are excited about the new products which we are jointly offering to the market”.

The latest services are in addition to Hamburg Süd and CAM CGM's existing cooperation between North Europe and the East and West coasts of South America.