Google is helping French logistics company CMA CGM deploy artificial intelligence (AI) across all its shipping and logistics activities.

By leveraging Google’s proven AI technology and insights from experts, CMA CGM will help empower its employees’ decision-making. Every programme and tool developed within the partnership will be designed to assist users in their decision-making processes across several key workflows.

This collaboration aims to improve shipping by enhancing efficiency, responsiveness and adaptability to market fluctuations and disruptions, resulting in a faster and more responsive service. As part of the partnership, CMA CGM will seek to optimise vessel routes, container handling and inventory management to ensure efficient and timely delivery of goods while reducing 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 metres of warehouse space. The smart management tool, built on Google technology, will allow Ceva Logistics to anticipate and plan its operations thanks to enhanced volume and demand forecasting.

The partnership should eventually benefit all CMA CGM associates thanks to dedicated high-impact training sessions at Tangram, the group’s learning and innovation centre.

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

“I am pleased to announce this global partnership between the CMA CGM group and Google to accelerate AI adoption across our operations,” said Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of CMA CGM. “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, optimise our processes, and enhance our competitive edge. We are committed to driving innovation with tangible benefits for our staff members and our customers.”

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google (cloud.google.com) and Alphabet, added: “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 revolutionise industries.”

CMA CGM (www.cmacgm-group.com) serves more than 420 ports around the world across five continents, with a fleet of around 620 vessels. Its subsidiary Ceva Logistics (www.cevalogistics.com) delivered 522,000 tonnes of air cargo and more than 22 million tonnes of inland freight cargo in 2023. Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the group employs 180,000 people worldwide, of which around 6000 are in Marseille where its head office is located.