About CMB

CMB – Compagnie Maritime Belge

"Always a step ahead": that is how we operate. We believe the strong traditions of the maritime industry can work hand in hand with innovation and a pioneering spirit. Our history and track record and the development of new technologies reinforce and complement each other.

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This is us

Every day, about 150 seagoing vessels carry dry bulk (Bocimar), containers (Delphis), chemicals (Bochem) and offshore wind crew (Windcat) around the seven seas. These activities are supported ashore by our head office in Belgium and our offices in Japan, Namibia, Singapore, China, Germany, UK, and The Netherlands.

We believe the only future-proof strategy for the maritime industry is a sustainable and climate-neutral one. Our cleantech division CMB.TECH emanates that vision. To keep the innovation going, MCA was created to guide this maritime industry toward more cooperation and innovation.

Our divisions

CMB drives on shared values

Our values

  • Family

The way we do business, our ethics and the interaction with our stakeholders are inspired by strong family values: honesty, hard work, openness, solidarity and long-term value creation.

We want these values to be reflected in our working environments, both onshore and on board our ships. We wish to offer all our colleagues a healthy, safe and positive place to work.

  • Efficiency

We wish to work as efficiently as possible in our day-to-day activities to maximise the value creation of everything we undertake.

We like to make quick decisions with a strong can-do attitude. When it is clear what needs to be done, we do it.

  • Adaptability

We adapt to changing environments by developing future-proof products and solutions.

We dare to invest in the future, even in the direst of times. We value entrepreneurship. This is what kept CMB going for so many years and what we admire in our staff. We do not take "no" for an answer and constantly try to find solutions for the challenges ahead.

  • Commitment

Through these values, we show our commitment to our industry, our customers, our employees and the world we live in.

The history of CMB

The values we uphold at CMB are not a recent development. They have helped us set our course throughout 125 years of business. The timeline below includes the highlights and lowlights that have helped us to become the company we are today.

2023
MUM04819

CMB announced the naming ceremony and launch of the first ammonia-ready container ships in the CMB fleet.

2023
STRADDLE CARRIER 04

Antwerp Terminal Services (ATS) and CMB.TECH launch World’s First Hydrogen Dual Fuel Straddle Carrier

2023
Bochem Marengo 6

The Bochem Marengo (2017) joins the Bochem fleet of chemical tankers.

2023

The Bochem Pegasos (2018) is delivered to the CMB Group.

2023
Bulk Carrier CM Bpowered By Ammonia

WinGD, a Swiss marine power company, and CMB.TECH agree to co-develop large ammonia-fuelled two-stroke engines. The companies bring combined expertise to zero-carbon fuel technology in a groundbreaking collaboration for a fleet of ammonia fuelled bulk carriers.

2023
Bochem Bucephalas 1

The Bochem Bucephalas (2017) and the Bochem Walvis Bay (2016) join the chemical tanker fleet of the CMB Group.

2023

The Bochem Bayard (2017) is delivered to the CMB Group.

2022
CMB TECH Dual Fuel Workshop6

The opening of the first CMB.TECH dual fuel workshop takes place. In this workshop, new ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) trucks are converted with CMB.TECH’s dual fuel hydrogen technology.

2022
CSOV Windact Offshore 1

Windcat, Europe's market-leading offshore personnel transfer company, announced an order for the construction of a series of hydrogen-powered Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) with Damen Shipyards, a global provider of maritime solutions.

2022

The Group orders 10 newcastlemaxes of 210.000 dwt from Qingdao Beihai Shipyard. The vessels will deliver in 2025 (7) and 2026 (3) and will all be ammonia ready. This brings the total number of vessels on order from Beihai to 20 units.

2022

The Group orders 3 CSOVs to be built by Damen for delivery in April, July and October 2025.

2022

Bochem acquires 5 modern chemical tankers; four units of 25.000 and one unit of 20.000 dwt. The vessels will deliver to the Group in the course of the first quarter of 2023 and will be named Bochem Bayard (2017), Bochem Buchephalas (2017), Bochem Marengo (2017), Bochem Pegasos (2018) and Bochem Walvis Bay (2016).

2022
Hydrocat 2

CMB.TECH and Windcat Workboats present the first hydrogen-powered crew transfer vessel: the Hydrocat 48. This ground-breaking development for both the marine and offshore wind industries is the first CTV that uses clean fuels to reduce up to 80% of its traditional fuel usage and associated emissions.

2022
Be Hydro mono fuel 05

BeHydro launches 100% hydrogen engines for heavy-duty applications at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam. These innovative, zero emission engines are ready to be used and will allow the industry to further engage in 100% sustainable and environmentally friendly development.

2022

The Group exercises its options to acquire an additional two 210.000 dwt newcastlemaxes with Qingdao Beihai Shipyard. This brings the total number of firm vessels ordered to 10.

2022

The Group exercises its options to acquire an additional 2 25.000 dwt stainless steel chemical tankers from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard. This brings the total number of firm vessels ordered to 6.

2022
Cleanergy Namibia

CMB.TECH and Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, one of Namibia’s largest companies, create Cleanergy Solutions, a joint venture that aims to develop a hydrogen production and distribution plant in Namibia.

2022

The Group orders 4 additional container vessels with a capacity of 5900 TEU from Yangfan Qingdao Shipyard. This order brings the total number of 5900 TEU container vessels on order to 12 vessels.

2021

The Group orders 2 additional container vessels with a capacity of 5900 TEU from Yangfan Qingdao Shipyard.

2021

The Group orders 2 additional chemical carriers of 25.000 dwt to be built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yanghzou).

2021

The Group orders an additional 2 newcastlemaxes to be built at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industries for delivery during 2023 and 2024.

2021

The Group orders 2 newcastlemaxes to be built at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industries for delivery during the second quarter of 2023.

2021

CMB Group orders 2 chemical carriers of 25.000 dwt from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yanghzou).

2021
Hydrogen refuelling station

CMB.TECH opens the world’s first multimodal hydrogen refuelling station and presents a dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel truck. Green hydrogen is produced on the same location through green electricity, water and electrolysis.

2021
Hydro Bingo Tims Mac Book Pro

CMB and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding present the Hydrobingo, the world’s first hydrogen-powered ferry. The Hydrobingo was realised through the joint venture between the two companies: JPNH₂YDRO.

2021

CMB Group acquires the Bochem Ghent (2010), a 33.600 dwt chemical carrier it previously had on time charter.

2020

CMB acquires Windcat Workboats from Seacor Marine. Windcat Workboats is the world’s leading offshore wind supply company operating a fleet of more than 40 crew transfer vessels.

2020

BeHydro – a joint venture between CMB.TECH and ABC Engines – launches the first hydrogen powered dual-fuel engine.

2019
Hydrobingo 2

CMB and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, a Japanese shipbuilder, join forces to build a hydrogen powered ferry. This partnership is a combination between Tsuneishi’s state-of-the-art shipbuilding capabilities and CMB’s extensive know-how in marine hydrogen systems.

2018

CMB wins the Port of Antwerp Sustainability Award with the Hydroville. With this award, the Port of Antwerp highlights sustainable initiatives undertaken by port users and stimulates sustainable economic practices.

2017

CMB Technologies becomes CMB.TECH.

2017

MV Hydroville was christened in Antwerp. this is the first certified passenger shuttle that uses hydrogen to power a diesel engine. Hydrogen has the advantage that no CO₂, particulate matter or sulphur oxides are released.

2016

CMB establishes Hunter Maritime Acquisition Corp. listed on NASDAQ.

2016

Britain votes in favour of leaving the European Union.

2015

The Saverys family take CMB private and delist CMB after 104 years on the Brussels stock exchange.

2015
2015 CMB aquires Delphis

CMB acquires Delphis. The regional specialist controls a fleet of 14 container ships at this point, but acquires a further 13 Panamax container ships in a joint-venture.

2015

CMB Technologies was added to the group. The division focuses on the innovation and development of new technologies and has the goal to implement cost saving technologies, to improve the operational performance, to reduce the emissions and to assure that our new building vessels are future proof.

2014

ASL purchases Farnair, expanding its geographical scope to Central Europe and Asia.

2014
2014 OPECSA increase oil prod

OPEC and Saudi ARabia increase oil production, reducing the price of oil and seriously undermining the renewable energy industry.

2012
2012 Greece flag 1517190 640

Massive debt in Greece reduces worldwide consumer confidence in the European market.

2011

Political turbulence results in regime change in countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

2010
2010 CMB Julliette

Bocimar orders 10 handysize bulk carriers.

2008

The bankruptcy of the Lehman Brothers financial services firm ushers in the Great Recession.

2008
2008 ACL Europe Airpost

ACL also acquire the private equity partner Europe Airpost, expanding the fleet of aircraft. The ACL holding company is renamed ASL Aviation Group to represent the three core activities it pursues: Airlines, Support and Leasing.

2007
2007 Safair opts out

Safair opts out of ACL. CMB retains its controlling interest.

2007
2007 Bochem Brussels

With the long-term charter of three chemical tankers, CMB founds the subsidiary Bochem and enters the chemical tanker market.

2004
2004 Euronav Luxembourg

A further partial demerger sees Euronav established as a separate entity.

2004

CMB arranged for its shares to be available for purchase on Euronext Brussels.

2003
2003 Exmar Flanders Harmony

The partial demerger of CMB is approved. Exmar shares are listed and traded on Euronext Brussels. Bocimar dry bulk and Euronav crude oil shipping interests remain within CMB.

2003

CMB sells its insurance division NAVIGA. It also sells its interests in Hessenatie-Noord Natie. These sales allow CMB to focus squarely upon shipping through its own divisions: Bocimar, Euronav and Exmar.

2001

Dotcom bubble bursts.

2001
2001 China joins WTO

China joins the World Trade Organization. A decade of rapid trade growth follows. Within 15 years, China is the world's biggest importer of commodities and one of the biggest exporters of consumer goods.

2001

Hessenatie merges with Noord Natie to become the undisputed market leader in cargo handling in Antwerp.

1999

The last CMB interests in the liner services sector are also sold. However, Euronav comes under CMB control. All CMB operational activities ae now run by independent subsidiaries, with CMB playing the role of a holding company.

1998
1998 stake in ACL

CMB enters the aviation business, acquiring a stake in Air Contractors Limited, soon to be known as ACL. Their partner in this venture is Safmarine subsidiary Safair.

1997

Start of the Asian financial crisis.

1996
1996 remainder CMBT Safmarine2

The remainder of CMB Transport is sold to Safmarine. Safmarine relocate to Antwerp.

1995
1995 Euronav

Euronav is established as a joint venture involving oil tankers.

1994

CMB's turnover now comes from clearly defined sources: liner services (29%), port activities (24%), gas (22%), bulk and crude oil (19%) and insurance (4%).

1991
1991 sale CMB transport

To ensure it keeps its Belgian image, just under 50% of CMB Transport is sold to South African shipping company Safmarine. It focuses on servicing the least competitive routes.

1991
1992 Marc Saverys Almabo

Société Générale de Belgique sells its 49.5% stake in CMB. It is purchased by Almabo, a company run by Marc Saverys, nephew of Jacques Saverys. Marc Saverys also takes over from Jacques Saverys as Managing Director of CMB.

1988
1988 Hessenatie

CMB purchases Hessenatie, a cargo-handling company.

1988
1988 CMB Bocimar Min Burgundy

CMB Bocimar invests in an extra 11 bulk carriers.

1988
1988 CMB expands further

CMB expands further. The CMB cargo handling division is now one of the largest in Europe.

1987
1987 CMB Transport

CMB pursues ambitious expansion plans, taking over a number of competitors and transferring its liner trade to a separate division: CMB Transport.

1985

350 new bulk carriers enter the waters around the world, although sea traffic has dropped 25% over a five-year period.

1984

Aware of issues caused by fast-changing technology, CMB sells several ships. Ship trading proves profitable and the company is soon retaining ownership of vessels for just a few months.

1984

Jacques Saverys is appointed General Manager of CMB. The tramping market booms. CMB encourages Bocimar to expand.

1984
1984 Jacques Saverys

Jacques Saverys is appointed General Manager of CMB. The tramping market booms. CMB encourages Bocimar to expand.

1983
1983 CMB exit Dart

CMB effectively steps out of its role operating Dart services.

1983

Giant containerships carrying 3,500 to 4,500 twenty-foot containers, a price war and a flooded market revolutionise container shipping around the United States.

1979

Under Jacques Saverys, CMB Bocimar invests in the construction of four new bulk carriers. Saverys is appointed as a manager of CMB while continuing in his role as General Manager of Bocimar.

1975
1975 Bocimar funnel

CMB purchases tramping company Bocimar, allowing it to continue under the management of Jacques Saverys. With quick growth, it is soon a major presence in the CMB portfolio.

1972
1972 Dart Europe

With 17,000 containers and semi-trailers to their name, CMB continues to order more bulk carrying vessels. CMB also operates Dart Europe, a second-generation container ship with a deadweight capacity of 60,000 tons.

1970

Dart comes into full operation with the delivery of three Dart ships - the largest in the world.

1970

Container shipping takes over liner services around the world. There is an increased presence of shipping companies operating under the flags of Liberia, Panama, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Cyprus, meaning crews can be paid significantly lower wages.

1968
1968 Dart America

In response to the increase in container shipping, CMB forms the Dart consortium with external partners. They continue to invest in container shipping, cranes, trailers and other related infrastructure.

1968

Boeing launches the 747 aircraft, capable of transporting enormous amounts of freight.

1968

The release of ISO standards for container shipping results in more consistent loading, transporting and unloading of goods throughout the world, as well as better use of space. Conventional freighters are soon unable to compete.

1963
1963 transport of coal and iron

CMB moves into dry bulk shipping with the transport of coal and iron ore. Five bulk carriers are built between 1963 and 1970.

1962

A significant drop in shipping rates results in a minor crisis in the industry.

1960
1960 repatriering onrust Congo

Congo is made fully independent of Belgium. Belgians are quickly repatriated from the arena in an emergency air lift, carrying almost 35,000 people in just 18 days.

1960
1960 Armement Deppe

The independence of the Congo is a blow for CMB. Increases in air freight results in further losses. CMB investigates alternative opportunities, purchasing Armement Deppe, the second-largest Belgian shipowner, specialised in shipping lines to Central and South America.

1960

The purchase of Ulfimar allows CMB to pursue interests in towage and radiotelegraphic technology, instruments and training.

1960

The costs of investments in ships and port infrastructure rise by 50% across the decade. Wages rise by 100%.

1956
1956 first shipping container

The first truly successful shipping container is released. Using inter-modular designed, the containers can be stacked and moved from road and rail to ships. They halve shipping times and begin replacing bales and pallets.

1955
1955 Air freight

Air freight continues to develop, now responsible for transporting 800,000 tonnes of cargo worldwide.

1955

A wage increase raises labour costs by 13.8%.

1955

CMB has a fleet of 27 vessels for a total deadweight capacity of 267,232 tons.

1953
1953 Korean war aankomst gesneuvelde soldaten

Korean War hostilities conclude.

1953
1953 jadotville

With passenger vessels already operating near capacity, CMB invests in new vessels to raise the annual passenger capacity to more than 10,000.

1953

Price wars result in more than 40,000 people flying between Belgium and the Congo. Journeys now last less than 20 hours.

1952

CMB becomes involved in various other interests including fruit transportation, inland navigation, ship repair and marine insurance.

1951
1951 Capitaine Potie

Although the CMB fleet includes 5 passenger and 24 freight vessels, they struggle to meet demand. Another 21 cargo ships are requisitioned. Refrigerated and larger cargo holds are incorporated to allow shipping of fruit and increased freight capacity.

1950
1955 inscheping soldaten 2

Korean War begins.

1950
1950 Tourisme Congo

The Belgian economy recovers quickly. Activity in the Congo, including tourism, reaches unprecedented levels.

1950
1950 Zeestation

CMB embarks on a quest to improve the quality of its personnel and equipment; they collaborate with the Ministry of Transport on training courses and fit ships with extra decking for training exercises. The construction of the Leopold Dock Sea Terminal enables CMB ships to dock at a single quay with access to specialised warehouses and reception areas. It is the most advanced terminal in the world at the time.

1949

Vessels are refitted to offer a single class of passenger berth more comfortable than that offered by increasingly competitive airlines.

1948
1948 CMB prioritises

CMB prioritises services to the Congo and the United States. Stockpiled goods are transported from the Congo to Belgium via weekly services.

1947

Airlines are now running four flights per week to the Congo. They fly 20,000 passengers in 1947.

1945
1945 World war II normandy 67545 640

World War II concludes.

1945
1945 Monument WWII 2

At the end of the war, 294 CMB seamen have lost their lives in the war and the CMB HQ has been ruined. 22 of 31 vessels are destroyed with tonnage dropping by 63.56%.

1940

Only one CMB vessel is able to provide a passenger service during the war while freight from the Congo virtually stops as markets are under German control. However, by providing a link between the United States and the Congo, losses are partially off-set. CMB also makes efforts to keep qualified workers employed for as long as possible, with their wages rising considerably.

1939
1939 1940 Carlier

Vessels that escaped Belgium prior to the German invasion are added to Allied fleets. Many that remain are used by the Germans for different purposes, with one recaptured and returned to Belgium by Allied forces.

1939

World War II begins.

1938

Government assistance allows CMB to overcome financial issues. They order new ships and re-open lines. The increase wages by 15%.

1935

The first flights between Belgium and the Congo are completed. Outward journeys last six days and return journeys five days, with six refuelling stops. Although air traffic is not yet a competitive concern for shipping companies, it is developing quickly.

1933
1933 Affiche East Africa Far East

Financial issues force CMB to dispose of 11 of its older vessels and reduce the frequency of services. Lines to East Africa and the Far East are closed.

1932

There is a decrease in worldwide tonnage. The Belgian fleet is reduced by 20%, while more than 40% is left lying idle in the docks.

1930
1930 Llyoyd Royal

CBMC acquires the Belgian shipowner Lloyd Royal Belge. With their fleet, CBMC is now the largest Belgian shipowner with services to and from the Far East, North America and South America. The company name is changed to Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB). Although services to the Congo are still the lifeblood of the company, the specific Congo image is abandoned.

1930
1930 Expo Liege visite roi Albert I

World's Fairs take place in Antwerp and Liège.

1930

The Great Depression results in enormous financial strain around the world.

1930

CBMC have a stand at the World's Fairs. The interest enables them to resist the economic depression for a little longer.

1927
1927 Affiche CBMC foto432

After a decade of discussions, CBMC begins services to other ports throughout Africa.

1925

CBMC posts losses every year. However, large sums are being written off in this period. Passenger ships continue to be profitable.

1925

The shipping industry collapses, with shipping rates dropping dramatically.

1919
1919 Thysville

CBMC places an order for the construction of passenger ships Elisabethville (2) and Thysville. They are completed in 1921. CBMC decides to diversify and invests further in cargo transport. It also acquires controlling interests in various servicing companies.

1918
1918 World war I concludes

World War I concludes. A little over half of the ships making up the Belgian merchant fleet have been destroyed. The remaining capacity is just 130,000 tons.

1918

At the end of the hostilities, CBMC begins looking for extra tonnage. There is a backlog of 40,000 tons of goods to be moved from the Congo, more than is usually shipped in an entire year.

1917
1917 Elisabethvill interieur

The CBMC ship, Elizabethville, is torpedoed by a German U-Boat. The lives of 16 crew members are lost; 200 passengers survive.

1914

World War I begins.

1914
1914 Albertville

When Belgium is invaded, CBMC transports Belgian troops and provides regular supplies and equipment from overseas. CBMC ship Albertville serves as a Red Cross hospital ship for the wounded.

1912

The Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage. This results in public shock and outcry, as well as major overhaul of safety requirements for passenger ships and radio use.

1911
1911 CBMC Belgian Shareholders

Belgian shareholders are able to take a majority share in the ownership, and therefore control, of CBMC.

1910
1910 Elisabethville

The Elisabethville is built specially for CBMC. Decorative work includes designs from Belgian artists. Elisabethville comes into service under the Belgian flag and is celebrated for being recognisably Belgian.

1908

The Congo Free State/Independent Congo State is handed over to Belgium. This increases the desire for a genuinely Belgian shipowner to operate on the Congo route.

1900

Initial success results in the service frequency being increased to every three weeks. A policy of modernisation also demands faster, newer vessels. This is not possible for SMC, who discontinue their services.

1895
Normal u2

The Compagnie Belge Maritime du Congo (CBMC) is established by the British Elder Dempster Group. A month later, the German Woermann Linie establishes the Société Maritime du Congo (SMC). Using two liner vessels, the companies agree to provide monthly services to the Congo from Antwerp, carrying passengers, cargo and mail under the Belgian flag. The company is still not Belgian owned.

1885
Normal u38

King Leopold II of Belgium establishes the Congo Free State/Independent Congo State. At this point, there are no direct shipping lines between Antwerp and the Congo area although King Leopold II pursues different possibilities.

1885
Normal u37

As part of the first World’s Fair, large-scale expansion work is performed to straighten the right bank of the River Scheldt in Antwerp, enabling larger seafaring vessels to berth.

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