CMA CGM has acquired a majority stake in Societe Francaise de Navigation (Sofrana) Unilines via its ANL arm.

The French liner giant said the move for the New Zealand-based regional shipping line was intended to strengthen its operations in the South Pacific region.

CMA CGM described Sofrana Unilines, which has been in operation for almost 50 years, as a “key player in the Pacific islands regional maritime trade”.