Canadian Pacific (CP) has announced a new, "multi-year" agreement with CMA CGM Group, which will make CP CMA CGM's primary rail provider in Canada, servicing the ports of Vancouver, Montreal, and Saint John, N.B.

"CP is proud to provide CMA CGM with safe and reliable service that includes the shortest route miles to key markets," said John Brooks, CP executive vice-president, and chief marketing officer.

"CP's dedication to best-in-class service is enabling supply chain recovery that will drive future growth opportunities for the North American economy," Brooks added.

CP said its "strategic alignment" with CMA CGM creates "natural synergies" that support sustainability and innovation, which will add density to key lanes and strengthen operational efficiency.

Its access to Port of Vancouver and Port of Montreal, and its connection to Port Saint John via New Brunswick Southern Railway, will also enable CP to move the majority of CMA CGM's freight from Canadian ports to key Canadian and US Midwest inland markets.

"This agreement also recognizes the future growth opportunities connected to CP's proposed combination with the Kansas City Southern, which remains subject to approval by the Surface Transportation Board, bringing expanded market reach and creating new efficiencies," CP said.