CMA CGM Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Marlink and Eutelsat to deploy OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity across its global maritime fleet, marking one of the largest such implementations in the shipping sector to date. The collaboration will see Eutelsat OneWeb’s European-based LEO services integrated with existing LEO and geostationary (GEO) networks within a hybrid connectivity architecture powered by Marlink’s XChange NextGen edge platform.
Under the multi-year agreement, OneWeb LEO services will be installed on more than 300 CMA CGM vessels over the next nine months. Marlink will deliver and integrate the solution, combining multiple satellite orbits to create a highly resilient, high-availability network designed to operate reliably at global fleet scale. The deployment introduces advanced capabilities intended to significantly strengthen connectivity services across CMA CGM’s operations.
The upgraded network will provide high-throughput, low-latency connectivity to support the shipping group’s accelerating digital transformation. Continuous and robust connectivity at sea is expected to improve operational efficiency, enable real-time data exchange, and enhance onboard services for crews, bringing vessel performance closer to shore-based digital environments while supporting future digital applications.
The solution also supports CMA CGM’s decarbonisation goals by enabling real-time optimisation of routing, speed and fuel consumption, helping to reduce emissions and improve overall efficiency. Built on Marlink’s XChange NextGen edge cloud platform, the deployment unlocks access to the company’s Possibility Platform, offering capabilities across cybersecurity, industrial IoT data collection, cloud enablement and centralised fleet-wide network orchestration. This ensures consistent performance and service continuity regardless of sailing routes.
CMA CGM operates in 177 countries and manages a fleet of more than 650 vessels serving over 420 ports worldwide, spanning sea, land, air and logistics solutions. The group has been an anchor shareholder in Eutelsat since 2022, underscoring a shared commitment to reliable, high-performance satellite connectivity and to supporting French and European digital sovereignty.
Ramon Fernandez, Executive Vice President Chief Finance Officer, CMA CGM Group, said: “Through this partnership, CMA CGM continues to strengthen its global connectivity framework in support of reliable and secure maritime operations. The integration of OneWeb’s LEO services contributes to the robustness of our fleet-wide connectivity, supporting operational efficiency and crew welfare. It also aligns with our commitment to trusted solutions and to strengthening digital sovereignty, while reflecting a pragmatic, long-term approach to connectivity that meets our industrial, performance and sustainability objectives.”
Jean-François Fallacher, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, added: “This agreement marks a major milestone in the deployment of OneWeb’s LEO services in the maritime sector. By integrating OneWeb into CMA CGM’s connectivity ecosystem, we are supporting a robust, future-proof solution that meets the growing demand for high-performance, low-latency connectivity at sea. We are grateful to CMA CGM Group’s long-standing support of Eutelsat, and excited to see it materialize into an industrial partnership. We are also delighted to work with our long-standing partner, Marlink, to further push the boundaries of maritime connectivity.”
Erik Ceuppens, Chief Executive Officer, Marlink Group, commented: “Building on more than 20 years of close partnership and co-creation with CMA CGM, we are proud to jointly lead the transition into the multi-LEO future. This landmark project highlights Marlink’s proven ability to deliver advanced digital solutions at scale for the world’s leading shipping companies. As digitalisation becomes an increasingly critical business priority for the maritime industry, we are pleased to equip CMA CGM with a resilient, next-generation network solution, including Eutelsat OneWeb that enhances operational efficiency, safety, and decarbonisation across its global fleet.”
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