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LYON, France – The CMA CGM Group and its partners officially broke ground on Thursday, November 12, 2026, on a major modernization and expansion project for the Lyon Rhône Terminal at the Port Édouard-Herriot. This strategic initiative aims to transform the facility into a vital intermodal logistics hub, strengthening the connection between Marseille-Fos and Lyon while fostering the decarbonization of freight transport.
A Strategic Hub for the Rhône Corridor
The project is a collaborative effort involving the CMA CGM Group, the Banque des Territoires, the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), and the Aix-Marseille-Provence CCI, supported by the French State and the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR).
Since April 2025, CMA CGM has operated the terminal under a 30-year sub-concession granted by the CNR. The capital structure of the operating entity, CMA Terminals Holding, reflects the collaborative nature of the project:
- CMA CGM Group: 67%
- Banque des Territoires: 25%
- CCI Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne: 4%
- CCI métropolitaine Aix-Marseille-Provence: 4%
Modernization and Capacity Goals
The extensive investment program includes expanding the platform by approximately 3 hectares, renovating existing infrastructure, and digitizing operations to enhance efficiency. A key component of the upgrade is the strengthening of rail infrastructure, which will eventually feature seven tracks at the terminal.
The project aims to increase annual traffic from approximately 120,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2026 to 200,000 TEUs by 2032. This growth is expected to facilitate a significant modal shift from road to river and rail, potentially eliminating up to 275 truck trips daily, or up to 100,000 trips annually if full modal transfer is achieved.
Supporting Regional Economic Growth
Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President of the CMA CGM Group, emphasized the terminal’s unique position: "Thanks to this expansion, we will provide the terminal with the means to grow and fully play its role as a multimodal hub, connecting the region to major international flows with more efficient, competitive, and greener solutions."
The French State is contributing 2.2 million euros to the project via the CPIER Plan Rhône-Saône, underscoring the terminal’s role in maintaining the economic sovereignty of the region, which accounts for 35% of French GDP.
Source: CMA CGM Group
