CMA CGM LANKA

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, which is a global player and world leader in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, serves more than 420 ports around the planet across five continents with a fleet of 580 vessels, along with subsidiaries CEVA Logistics and CMA CGM Air Cargo. Firmly committed to the energy transition in shipping and use of alternative fuels, the Group set a ‘net zero carbon’ target for 2050. CMA CGM Lanka was established in 1989; and later, formed as a joint venture in 1993 between Hayleys and CMA CGM of France to offer more responsible, efficient and seamless transportation solutions.

Q: How can corporate respect help organisations to tide over crisis times?
A: CMA CGM Lanka has earned corporate respect by the professionalism of its team, integrity shown in its conduct with customers and high quality service levels. The organisation nurtures a rich, trusted culture while instilling boldness, pursuit of excellence, exemplary behaviour and imagination.

Our staff is highly qualified and well trained to offer sustainable solutions to support customers. CMA CGM Lanka was awarded the ‘Best Shipping Agent in Customer Service in Colombo to the United States Export Sector’ by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers in 2021.

Q: What are some of the ways in which corporate reputation gives businesses a competitive edge?
A: Most customers always look for long-term partnerships. As a global business, we count exporters, importers, traders and freight forwarders as our valued clients. And as a reliable and reputable partner, we hold a competitive edge that is evident in our strong financial and operational performances despite the crisis.

Q: How does respect in workplaces help organisations to foster admiration and become employers of choice?
A: Our workplace culture plays a huge role in our perception as a preferred employer. Mutual trust and respect are highly valued, and so is our rich and open culture. Since we work in an industry where change is the norm, dynamism forms a big part of our workplace culture.

Q: What role can corporates play in uplifting Sri Lanka’s image in international waters?
A: Businesses that show integrity, transparency and professionalism in the eyes of international partners can enhance the image of that corporate and the country. Resilience also matters, and we have proven time and again how resilient we are in the face of so many challenges.

The Port of Colombo has functioned uninterrupted without any adverse impact. Sri Lanka’s shipping and export companies are highly resilient, and enhance its image as a shipping hub.

Q: How does a corporate’s commitment to continuous innovation help garner respect?
A: We are always trying to innovate better ways of doing things and helping customers, such as alternative fuels to power ships and new container innovations. We have also been investing in pioneering customer friendly platforms such ‘AQUA spoton,’ ‘paperless BL’ and ‘APIs.’

Q: In what ways can the quality of products and services secure respect for corporates over the longer term?
A: Our products are shipping services, and we offer 12 weekly services to different export and import markets in the world. Our two main services are Colombo to USA and Canada (East Coast), and Colombo to Europe direct amongst others.

We maintain ‘schedule integrity’ for our customers, which is a major achievement considering disruptions over the past two years. On the customer service side, from the moment we get an inquiry up to the time of delivery, we provide updates, tracking services and so on.

Q: What are the main attributes of your company’s image?
A: The main attribute is our dedicated, talented and professional team. The type of superior service quality we offer as exclusive agents for the world’s third largest container carrier CMA CGM and locally being part of Hayleys Group – a highly respected listed company – has earned respect from the Sri Lankan market and boosted our image.

We sincerely thank previous directors of CMA CGM – namely Shano Sabar, Asanka Ratnayake, Ikram Ghazali, Thushara Perera and Umindha Dunuwille, all of whom steered the group to become one of most respected entities in Sri Lanka.

CMA CGM Group increased its operated and container fleet capacities by 11 percent and 780,000 TEUs respectively, to strengthen and support customer relationships as they navigate today’s supply chain challenges. CMA CGM Lanka will continue to offer tailor-made solutions by leveraging CMA CGM’s logistics expertise.

QUICK-FIRE ROUND

Three recommendations to revive Sri Lanka’s economy
Facilitate global shipping businesses to invest in Sri Lanka and create a true maritime hub to resolve the foreign exchange crisis.
Boost exports by way of encouraging the sector, and attract more global players and manufacturers to locate their factories and plants in Sri Lanka.
Enhance ease of doing business by implementing more flexible customs and other related regulations.

Three most admired global business leaders
Rodolphe Saadé
Steve Jobs
Malcolm McLean

Telephone 0774 153311, 2167800  |  Email cbo.kabeywickrama@cma-cgm.com   |  Website www.cma-cgm.com/local/sri-lanka