CNC (Cheng Lie Navigation Company), headquartered in Singapore, is a leading intra-Asia shortsea container shipping specialist and a wholly owned subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group. Focused exclusively on serving regional trade within Asia, CNC plays a critical role in connecting over 60 ports across 20 countries and territories, offering one of the most comprehensive shortsea networks in the industry.
Core Business
CNC operates as CMA CGM Group’s dedicated brand for intra-Asia container shipping, providing reliable, high-frequency maritime transport solutions tailored to the diverse and dynamic requirements of regional trade. The company leverages its Singapore hub and regional offices to ensure fast transit times, service flexibility, and strategic port coverage across Asia.
Product and Service Offerings
Container Shipping Services
- Dry Cargo Services: Transport of general cargo containers across shortsea routes within Asia.
- Reefer Cargo Services: Specialized cold chain logistics for perishables such as seafood, fruit, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals.
- Special Cargo Handling: Flat racks, open-top containers, and project cargo solutions.
- Dangerous Goods Transport: Certified and compliant movement of hazardous materials across designated ports.
Value-Added Services
- Booking and Documentation Portal: eBusiness platform for booking, BL management, invoicing, and tracking.
- ECO Container Programs: Fuel-efficient vessel deployment with reduced GHG emissions.
- Contract Logistics Support: Partnerships with inland trucking and rail services to provide multimodal connectivity.
Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition
CNC’s operations are uniquely designed for shortsea intra-Asia connectivity, offering:
- High-Frequency Services: Weekly and bi-weekly sailings with consistent schedules.
- Port Pairs Diversity: Coverage of secondary and feeder ports often underserved by major carriers.
- Service Speed: Short transit times between Asian manufacturing hubs, especially China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
- Strong Hub Integration: Access to CMA CGM’s transshipment hubs in Singapore, Port Klang, and Kaohsiung for extended connectivity.
Financial and Operational Highlights
As part of CMA CGM Group, CNC benefits from its parent company’s financial strength and infrastructure:
- Fleet Size: Over 40 vessels operated or chartered for intra-Asia service routes.
- TEU Capacity: Estimated operational capacity of 150,000+ TEUs across the regional network.
- Annual Volume: Over 3 million TEUs transported across intra-Asia routes (2022–2023).
- Service Coverage: More than 60 commercial ports in Asia, including emerging Southeast Asian corridors and North Asia manufacturing zones.
Trade and Shipping Network
- Key Ports of Call: Singapore, Hong Kong, Busan, Shanghai, Kaohsiung, Tokyo, Jakarta, Laem Chabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Colombo, and Yangon.
- Main Trade Routes: China–ASEAN, Japan–Southeast Asia, Korea–India Subcontinent, Indonesia–Philippines.
- Transshipment Capabilities: Deep integration with CMA CGM and CEVA Logistics’ ocean and inland supply chain network.
- Bunker Optimization: Utilizes eco-efficient ships and optimized routing algorithms to reduce fuel consumption.
Target Market
- Manufacturers and Exporters Across Asia
- Retailers and Distributors with Regional Fulfillment Needs
- Freight Forwarders and NVOCCs
- Cold Chain and Perishable Goods Shippers
- Electronics, Automotive, Textiles, and FMCG Sectors
Capabilities
- Agile Fleet Deployment: Flexible vessel rotation and scalable frequency during peak and off-peak seasons.
- Digital Solutions: Real-time e-tracking, API/EDI booking, carbon footprint calculators.
- Specialized Cargo Teams: Experts for reefer management, out-of-gauge shipments, and regulated cargo.
- Customs and Compliance Management: Support for cross-border documentations and Asia-centric regulatory frameworks.
Certifications and Compliance
- IMO and MARPOL Compliance
- Reefer Cargo Technical Standards Certified
- C-TPAT and AEO Security Standards
- CMA CGM Sustainability Alignment with the IMO 2030 GHG reduction strategy
- ISPS Code Port Security Certification
Customer Testimonials
“CNC has helped us simplify our pan-Asian distribution model. With their high-frequency sailings and flexible routing, we’ve reduced inland logistics costs significantly.”
— Logistics Director, Southeast Asia FMCG Company
“Their reefer reliability is unmatched for intra-Asia. Consistent temperature tracking and fast transit protect our high-value perishables.”
— Operations Manager, Asian Fruit Exporter
“As a freight forwarder, CNC gives us the options and predictability needed to meet tight regional lead times.”
— Regional Director, Multinational Freight Brokerage
Major Achievements
- Established as CMA CGM’s dedicated intra-Asia brand (2013)
- Expanded to cover 60+ ports in 20+ Asian countries and territories
- Achieved over 3 million TEUs in annual volume (2023)
- Launched ECO-Shortsea Program for sustainable regional shipping
- Digitized over 90% of booking and BL operations through its online platform
CNC (Cheng Lie Navigation Company) continues to lead as Asia’s premier shortsea container shipping specialist by offering unmatched regional coverage, agile operations, and value-driven solutions. With its strategic position within the CMA CGM Group and focus on innovation and sustainability, CNC empowers trade and supply chain resilience across the fastest-growing region in the world.