French shipping giant CMA CGM will increase its weekly rail services between Marseille and Lyon, in southeast France, to five departures in each direction. The increased frequency is expected to boost international trade to and from Lyon, where CMA CGM is investing significantly.
The main reason behind the increase in departures is “high demand for rail services connecting Marseille to Lyon and the Rhône-Alpes Region”, the company said. With this rail connection, Lyon should benefit when it comes to trade with northern African countries. For example, CMA CGM said that export to Tunis would be reduced to five days, seven days for Casablanca and 12 for Alger. Other improved connections to Lyon will interest Genoa, Barcelona and Ambarli.
The French shipping company is working on expanding its presence in Lyon. Other than the increase in rail, Lyon-Marseille connectivity has also been recently enhanced by an intermodal barge service. Moreover, CMA CGM has invested 40 million euros for the development of container traffic at the Lyon Edouard Herriot Port. All these initiatives are part of the plan to create a Greater Marseille-Lyon Port, promised by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2023.