The CMA CGM Group and Hamburg Süd are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement to further enhance their existing cooperation. In addition to the already existing joint services between North Europe and both East and West coasts of South America, various new initiatives are in the final stages of preparation as follows:

- Since mid-January Hamburg Süd is taking slots between Asia and the Caribbean on CMA CGM's PEX 2 service as well as on the Brazex service which provides it with a connection to Manaus from the Caribbean.

- Starting mid-May, and subject to prior FMC approval, the lines will start a new pendulum service which will connect Asia, the Caribbean, the United States East Coast and North Europe, together with United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) for the transatlantic side - detailed information will be made available soon. This new service will be complementing the one connecting Asia with United States East Coast via Suez.

- As from July onwards, the lines will, together with further partners, revamp the services between Asia and both East and West Coast of South America. Details on the new service configurations are being finalized and will be available shortly.

The enhanced cooperation allows both lines to provide the market with cost efficient, innovative new products which will be best in class as far as scope, frequency and fast transit times are concerned. Under the Agreement and apart from the above mentioned services, the lines have agreed to explore other cooperation opportunities when they arise.

Rodolphe Saadé, CMA CGM Vice Chairman explains: 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.

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.