French shipping company CMA CGM saw its net profit more than triple in the third quarter, thanks to higher container rates and solid cargo volumes, despite ongoing disruptions in global shipping routes due to tensions in the Middle East.
The group, based in Marseille, reported on Friday that its net income reached $2.32 billion in the third quarter of 2026, a significant rise from $760 million the previous year, marking an increase of around 205%.
Revenue grew by 31.1% to $18.4 billion, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) surged 61.6% to $4.78 billion. The EBITDA margin improved to 25.9%, compared to 21% during the same time last year.
CMA CGM's strong results were mainly driven by its container shipping operations, which experienced solid demand and high freight rates as ongoing tensions in the Middle East disrupted maritime trade routes and global supply chains.
During the quarter, CMA CGM transported 6.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 5.5% increase from the previous year, outperforming the broader market.
Shipping revenue jumped 37.3% to $12.3 billion, supported by a 30% rise in average revenue per container, which reached $1,891 per TEU. This division generated $4 billion in EBITDA, compared to $2.2 billion a year earlier, lifting its EBITDA margin to 32.4%.
These results highlight how ongoing issues in the Middle East are changing the container shipping market, helping to keep freight rates high despite longer travel times, rising operating costs, and shifts in established trade routes.
“In an uncertain geopolitical environment, the Group has delivered a strong performance in the third quarter,” said Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of CMA CGM.
Saadé noted the increase in shipping volumes, solid results from the group’s terminal business, and its expansion into air freight and logistics as proof of the company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
CMA CGM indicated that global trade remains strong despite geopolitical uncertainties and rising energy prices. The company linked demand growth to businesses restocking inventories, increased investment in AI infrastructure and data centers, and robust demand for clean technologies and electric vehicles, especially in China.
In addition to container shipping, the group's logistics business reported revenue of $5.46 billion, a 19.2% increase from a year ago. However, EBITDA fell by 14.4% to $366 million, reflecting tough conditions in freight forwarding and ongoing challenges in the automotive sector.
CMA CGM also continued to invest in its fleet and global port infrastructure.
During the quarter, CMA CGM introduced its first ships from a new fleet of LNG-powered containerships with a capacity of 24,000 TEUs, such as the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, CMA CGM PANTHEON, and CMA CGM ORSAY. These vessels are part of the company’s key Asia-Europe FAL service and rank among the world’s largest LNG-powered containerships.
CMA CGM also expanded its terminal network through a partnership involving Terminal 4 at the Port of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and by acquiring a 49% stake in the Nador Container Terminal in Morocco.
Looking ahead, CMA CGM expects strong demand for container shipping to continue in the coming months, aided by rising freight rates since the second quarter.
However, the company cautioned that the outlook remains uncertain due to geopolitical tensions, changing trade policies, and shipping route disruptions that could impact global cargo flows.
“Tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt shipping routes and exert pressure on operating costs,” CMA CGM stated in its outlook.
The company believes that its diverse operations, flexible shipping network, and solid financial position will help it navigate the unpredictable trading environment.