HMM CMA CGM Expand Algeciras Terminal Capacity

Post by : Amit

Two of the world’s largest shipping giants — South Korea’s HMM and France’s CMA CGM — are deepening their strategic collaboration with a major expansion of their jointly operated terminal at the Port of Algeciras, one of Europe’s busiest maritime gateways.

Under a newly signed agreement, the two carriers will jointly upgrade TTI Algeciras (TTIA), their semi-automated container terminal in southern Spain, in a move expected to significantly boost handling capacity, berth productivity, and connectivity with global trade lanes. The announcement underscores Algeciras’ growing importance as a transshipment hub in the western Mediterranean, especially at a time when supply chain resilience and efficiency are under the microscope.

The expansion project is set to enhance the terminal’s capacity to accommodate ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) of over 24,000 TEU — the backbone of global Asia-Europe and Transatlantic shipping routes.

TTIA is the only terminal in Algeciras not controlled by Spanish port giant APMT (part of Maersk), making it a strategic foothold for both HMM and CMA CGM to balance the port’s competitive dynamics.

Phase 1 of the upgrade will include:

• Extended berth lengths and deeper drafts
• Additional ship-to-shore cranes
• Improved yard automation and gate processing systems

Once completed, the terminal will handle significantly more volumes, offering faster turnaround times and seamless intermodal transfers via rail and road to inland European markets.

Located at the mouth of the Strait of Gibraltar, Algeciras is not just a Spanish port — it’s a critical juncture linking Europe with Africa and the rest of the world. Its geographic position allows quick access to both Atlantic and Mediterranean routes, making it a key node in CMA CGM and HMM’s network optimization strategies.

HMM has long relied on TTIA as its primary European hub, while CMA CGM began a co-investment in the terminal in 2020 to strengthen its own footprint in southern Europe. This latest expansion solidifies their shared vision of turning Algeciras into a high-performance gateway able to compete with giants like Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Valencia.

As geopolitical tensions and Red Sea disruptions continue to reroute shipping lanes, ports like Algeciras are seeing renewed relevance. With this expansion, HMM and CMA CGM aim to buffer against future shocks while offering their customers faster, more flexible service options.

A joint statement by the two carriers noted that the move will “increase supply chain reliability, improve vessel scheduling, and provide long-term capacity to support global trade growth.”

With this bold terminal upgrade, HMM and CMA CGM are not just expanding physical infrastructure — they’re reshaping regional port dynamics and future-proofing one of Europe’s most strategic maritime gateways.

South Korea, Ultra-large Container