The CMA CGM Group has recorded a 6.3-percent year-on-year growth in its cargo volumes for 2015, having carried 13 million TEUs.

The company attributed the growth to expansion in the US and the new Ocean Three Alliance for trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe routes, which was set up with China Shipping and United Arab Shipping Company in January 2015.

“Our operating performance once again illustrates the strength of our business model and our capacity to adapt,” said Rodolphe Saadé, vice chairman of the CMA CGM Group. “In a challenging market environment, we continued to roll out our strategy while adjusting our cost and financing structure to best effect. The beginning of 2016 was tough and marked by freight rates under pressure. We are therefore strengthening our continuous efforts to adapt and optimize our maritime services as well as our cost-reduction programme. At the same time, we entered a decisive new stage in our development with the project to acquire NOL. The project is progressing in line with expectations. Combined with our intrinsic capacity to deliver solid operating results, this project will make us more competitive going forward.”

Revenue decreased by 6.4 percent to US$15.7 billion and consolidated net profit also fell 2.9 percent to US$567 million.

According to the carrier, the beginning of 2016 has been tough and marked by freight rates under pressure, impacting industry profitability.

For the rest of the year, CMA CGM will continue with the acquisition Neptune Orient Lines, as well as the implementation of its cost-reduction programme, covering operational practices, fleet utilization, energy consumption and control of spending.

The group is expected to continue delivering above-market growth in 2016, according to CMA CGM.