FRENCH shipping giant CMA CGM in partnership with Infinity Logistics and Transport Ventures, now offer a weekly Penang-Padang Besar block train service, officially opening a container depot in the port, reports the American Journal of Transportation.

With the launch of the service, CMA CGM is providing a rail and sea multimodal solution to exporters from the southern provinces of Thailand.

The multimodal offering secures the equipment as well as rail and sailing slots. The block train service will make a weekly stop in Penang.

With a monthly operating capacity of 7,500 TEU containers, the facility specialises in handling Container Grade Selection as well as Flexitank containers for non-dangerous liquid shipments.

The new facility in Penang is the CMA CGM's third depot in Malaysia. The block train option reduces CO2 emissions and is part of the CMA CGM's commitment to develop more sustainable, efficient and fluid transport solutions.

Said Penang's chief minister Chow Kon Yew: "Congratulations to both CMA CGM and Infinity; it will certainly reinforce Penang as a dynamic import and export gateway of Malaysia's northern region - the Silicon Valley of the East. "In line with the Penang2030 plan, I also believe that this partnership will help strengthen Penang Port as a prominent logistics hub, subsequently becoming a preferred destination of investments in ASEAN," he said.

Said CMA CGM managing director Ravindra Sahu: "CMA CGM is delighted to have partnered Infinity in launching a compelling block train service and opening a depot here with strong support from the Penang port.

"They are important milestones that enable us to streamline our customers' logistics needs as we seamlessly relay their cargo from point to point. At CMA CGM, we are continuously identifying better ways to enrich and enhance our value proposition to our customers, partners, and key stakeholders," he said.