French shipping giant CMA CGM reported mixed third-quarter results as geopolitical disruptions weighed on margins, though its shipping arm lifted volumes and stabilized sequentially, reports New York's Marine Link.

The carrier moved 6.17 million TEU in Q3, up 2.3 per cent year-on-year and 3.4 per cent from Q2. Shipping revenue fell 17.4 per cent to US$8.96 billion, while EBITDA dropped 48.8 per cent to $2.23 billion. Average revenue per TEU slid 19.2 per cent to $1,452, reflecting weaker demand and rising fleet capacity.

At group level, revenue declined 11.3 per cent to $14.04 billion, EBITDA fell 40.5 per cent to $2.96 billion and net income dropped to $749 million. Chairman Rodolphe Saade said the company remained resilient and would continue adapting to softer demand and growing capacity.

CMA CGM is repositioning assets to stronger markets, including new LNG-powered ships for India, a Red Sea terminal in Jeddah, a stake in Hamburg's Eurogate CTH, and expansion in UK rail freight. Ten 24,000-TEU LNG megamax vessels will also join the French flag from 2026.

Management said strict cost control and redeployment to resilient corridors will guide near-term operations. Sustainability initiatives and LNG newbuilds are expected to strengthen CMA CGM's medium-term positioning, offering shippers competitive pricing and reliable schedules despite industry-wide yield pressures.