Economic Analysis in CMA CGM Shipping Matter

An Analysis Group team was retained on behalf of French container transportation and shipping company CMA CGM to assess the economic impact of the Ocean Alliance – an operational agreement between shipping companies enabling member shipping companies to offer various efficiencies that benefit consumers and the environment – on shipping prices. The team’s analysis of CMA CGM’s membership in the Ocean Alliance was undertaken in preparation for the European Commission’s (EC’s) anticipated renewal of the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation (CBER) in 2024.

The team, led by Managing Principal Antoine Chapsal, Principal Emmanuel Frot, and Manager Mario Luca, evaluated economic motivations for renewing the exemption afforded by the CBER, which allows certain shipping lines with market shares below 30% to bypass EU antitrust rules and enter into cooperation agreements for cargo transport services. In addition, the team evaluated the environmental impacts of the exemption.