The CMA CGM Group has upgraded its services from the West African coast to Asia, the Middle East, India and Europe, as part of the company’s growth strategy in the region.

The major trade partner of West Africa is Asia, where CMA CGM has deployed a fleet of 10 9,400 TEU vessels from March 15, 2016. These are the largest ships to serve the West African coast.

This new ASAF service includes new calls at Coega in South Africa, Singapore and Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia, and is operated in conjunction with Maersk, which is deploying three vessels.

A new MIDAS service from India and the Middle East, operated in partnership with PIL, calls at seven ports in West Africa, and includes new calls at Nhava Sheva in India and Apapa in Nigeria.

With regard to Europe, CMA CGM has also upgraded EURAF 5 to a weekly service, with new calls at Antwerp and Abidjan.

Overall, CMA CGM now offers 27 direct services to Africa, calling at 163 ports, according to the group.