CMA CGM Global Shipping Partner of Ellen MacArthur Asia Tour
 

Ellen MacArthur sails with CMA CGM The Group has just signed an exciting partnership with famous woman sailor, Ellen MacArthur, who broke the solo round the world record in 71 days in 2005. Current event: This morning at the Southhampton docks, the sailor’s B&Q trimaran was loaded onto the container ship CMA CGM Bizet. This 6,500 TEU vessel is part of the French Asia Line (FAL). The trimaran occupies 84 slots on deck where it is being transported to its upcoming challenge, the “Asia Tour”. A delegation from CMA CGM led by Tanya Saadé-Zeenny and Nicolas Sartini, along with about fifty international journalists and some fifty Group customers were on hand for this extraordinary loading event where they were also able to meet Ellen MacArthur. What is the Asia Tour? Ellen MacArthur and her trimaran will fly the colors of CMA CGM from Japan to South Korea also sailing to Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore and China, establishing a number of sailing record along the Chinese coast. The Group logo will be visible on the four crossbeams and the gennaker. Why this partnership? This partnership is born of a shared passion for the sea, a deep respect for the environment, and a great desire to see Asia receive the recognition it deserves as a region of strategic value. "CMA CGM readily agreed to become Ellen’s global shipping partner. She is an exceptional and courageous person. Our mutual love of the sea and our taste for challenge naturally brought us together." said Tanya Saadé-Zeenny, CMA CGM's Senior Vice-President Corporate Communication. For more information about this partnership The Communication Department is offering several special information outlets: -A mini website devoted to the event is accessible from the Group’s website. Beginning Thursday evening, February 9th, look for details and photos of the loading operation. -In its Espace des Arts, at CMA CGM headquarters, a major exhibit will be on display starting next week featuring the yachtswoman and her adventures. Here, you’ll find an exclusive model of the B&Q trimaran, some of the sailor’s personal effects, and information about her personal commitment to environmental protection. -Finally, Flash News will continue to cover this Asian challenge. We have even heard that Dame Ellen might be traveling through Marseilles after her return from Asia. In the meantime, we wish Dame Ellen smooth sailing!	Ellen MacArthur in front of the CMA CGM Bizet Trimaran flying the colors of CMA CGM         Itinerary of the Asia Tour
From the environment Ellen MacArthur’s fight for the environment At 29, she has already beaten the solo round the world record. Her greatest asset is unremitting determination. And after sailing oceans and seas around the world, an overwhelming sense of the threat posed to nature from pollution and environmentally harmful practices has made a profound impression on Dame Ellen. It is not surprising that the albatross, an endangered bird species, touched this sailor’s heart. To raise awareness of the bird’s plight, MacArthur left last December to participate in a study of the birds' breeding habitat on South Georgia Island and Albatross Island. Upon her return from this remarkable trip, she tells us: “I don't think I was prepared for that feeling of being so close to them, and this was by no means physical, but mental, as with no real fear of humans the wildlife accepts us.” Then, she adds: “Coming home and seeing the rabbits flee to the hedgerows, and the birds take off and hide at the merest hint of disturbance and you realize just how special Antarctica is, and just how rare.” “I have experienced a kind of excitement that maybe only a child feels when it experiences something new, to see those birds fly overhead, to see them turn, still airborne and look at you. To feel that they connect with you, that many are older than me. It's a mix of respect, amazement and bewilderment.” This shared passion and deep respect for the sea is what captivated and ultimately moved us to undertake a partnership with Ellen MacArthur.	Ellen MacArthur in South Georgie Island Royal Albatross