Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 22, French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM Group and Slovenia’s Port of Koper have signed a declaration to establish a joint venture (JV) focused on automotive logistics services. The new limited liability company will manage, maintain, and operate a 27,000 square meter site near the port, providing services for the import, export, and handling of finished vehicles.

The JV will involve CMA CGM’s CEVA Logistics, a specialist in automotive logistics solutions. The signing took place on October 20, 2025, during the visit of CMA CGM Chairman Rodolphe Saadé to the Port of Koper. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and French President Emmanuel Macron joined the delegation, which also toured the CMA CGM Hermes containership at the port.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Franco-Slovenian strategic partnership and advance the development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). CMA CGM has been present in Slovenia for over 20 years, and the company is consolidating its role in linking the Adriatic region, Asia, and Central Europe through maritime services, intermodal transport, and expanding logistics activities. The company employs 102 people locally and operates two weekly maritime services: the Phoenician Express connecting Asia with the Mediterranean and the Bora Med service within the Mediterranean basin.

Through the JV, CMA CGM and the Port of Koper aim to reinforce Slovenia’s position as a sustainable logistics hub at the heart of Europe. The partners plan to explore joint projects to enhance the competitiveness of Koper and support regional trade flows. Emphasis will be placed on environmentally sustainable operations and efficient transport connections to Central European markets.

CMA CGM’s container services from Koper are operated using vessels powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) or methanol, each with a capacity of 15,000 TEUs. These operations are complemented by rail links to major Central European destinations, providing integrated, low-emission transport solutions.

The joint venture reflects both parties’ commitment to developing specialized logistics capabilities in the automotive sector while advancing sustainable maritime and intermodal transport. By leveraging CEVA Logistics’ expertise, the JV will provide comprehensive services for vehicle handling, storage, and transport, supporting both importers and exporters.

The signing and site development signal CMA CGM’s continued investment in the region and its strategic focus on connecting Europe with global trade networks in a sustainable and efficient manner. The partnership also reinforces the Port of Koper’s role as a key gateway for trade between the Adriatic, Central Europe, and international markets, further integrating maritime and inland transport solutions.

Overall, the JV is expected to strengthen logistics capabilities, improve efficiency in automotive transport, and contribute to the growth of regional trade flows while supporting environmentally responsible operations.