CMA CGM, Mistral AI sign US$110M deal to improve shipping efficiency
French shipping group moves to sharpen operations using artificial intelligence.
FRANCE – French shipping firm CMA CGM has signed a €100 million (US$110.41 million) agreement with Paris-based startup Mistral AI, marking a clear shift toward using artificial intelligence to improve how it manages global shipping and logistics.
The five-year deal will focus on building new AI systems to improve ship routing, cargo planning, and vessel maintenance. Mistral AI will station a full-time team at CMA CGM’s headquarters in Marseille to develop these tools alongside CMA CGM staff.
“This is about moving faster and smarter,” said CMA CGM chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé. “It fits with our larger plans to use technology to improve how we work and serve our customers.”
One of the biggest changes expected from the deal is smarter ship routing. Studies show that AI-based route planning could save up to US$100,000 per vessel each year by reducing fuel use and delays.
AI will also support ship maintenance schedules, reducing breakdowns and unexpected repair costs.
The partnership doesn’t stop at cargo. CMA CGM also owns CMA Media, which will use Mistral AI’s systems for checking facts, translating documents, and managing content more smoothly.
Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch said the agreement sends a strong message about European firms’ ability to lead in tech. “This is proof that Europe can build strong partnerships around AI. We don’t have to play catch-up with the U.S.,” he said.
This project is part of CMA CGM’s broader technology plan, which includes other deals with Google and major tech firms. According to Mistral AI, the partnership could push its revenues up tenfold by the end of 2025.
Expanding AI use in shipping
CMA CGM is not alone in turning to AI. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has been installing AI-based systems in its refrigerated containers and vessels.
The iReefer system, which uses Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, tracks temperature, humidity, and location in real time.
MSC has already fitted over 210,000 refrigerated containers and 500 ships with the iReefer technology. This helps staff monitor conditions continuously and solve problems before they get worse.
The system supports better compliance with shipping standards and ensures that perishable goods stay safe.
AI has become a key part of global shipping, offering tools that help companies cut costs, reduce risks, and improve service.
As both CMA CGM and MSC expand their use of AI, the industry is clearly moving toward faster, smarter, and more reliable logistics. Saadé said the company will continue investing in projects that “bring real results.”
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