The operating profit for the CMA CGM Group which run the Malta Freeport is expected to return to breakeven next month, ahead of the company’s cautious forecasts last September.

The savings plan applied throughout all segments of the group, combined with increasingly firm volumes and rates, is already producing its initial effects, the company said. The recovery of operating profit illustrates the shipping expertise of the CMA CGM teams, which have been entirely focused on achieving this objective.

By soon extending “super eco speed” to all ships on ocean-going lines, the group will further reduce fuel consumption by the end of the year, saving tens of millions of dollars.

A rebound in cargo rates has also been observed on most of the lines: Asia – Europe, Asia – Mediterranean, Asia – South America.

The Asia/Northern Europe lines, which account for nearly a quarter of the volumes transported by the group, returned to profitability in October.

The group’s other lines are expected overall to reach the breakeven point by the end of 2009.