CEVA: The most important markets of Eastern Europe still have great growth potential

CEVA Logistics, a leading global logistics operator, sums up the potential in servicing the dynamically growing logistics market and fullfilment services in Eastern Europe. The unflagging demand for warehouse space, the growth of the e-commerce market and the constantly developing economies of this region require more and more advanced logistics. Thanks to its strong know-how, a wide range of services, innovations and an extensive transport and warehouse network, CEVA is prepared to support the development of the EE region and meet the high requirements of its customers.

Eastern Europe, despite the pandemic, confirms the enormous development potential and the key role on the logistics map of Europe. The EE region saw the highest growth in demand for logistics space in Europe, especially in the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary. The driving force behind the demand were logistics operators and the e-commerce industry as well as production and distribution companies, which supply not only local but also Western European markets. For example, in Poland, at the end of 2020, the total supply of modern warehouse space amounted to approximately 20 million sq m, and over 5 million sq m for lease, while over 2 million sq m was under construction, i.e. approx. more than in the corresponding period of 2019. According to the Global eCommerce 2020 report, the CEE region recorded the world's highest increase in sales in the e-commerce channel of approx. It is this segment of services that is also to have a decisive impact on this year's growth of logistics services in this region. The further development of the Eastern European market will also be fostered by the nearshoring trend, i.e. relocation of production and logistics functions from Asia and Western European countries.

CEVA, as a supplier of integrated logistics solutions, including air, sea and road freight, contract logistics as well as customs and project cargo services, is able to meet the highest customer requirements. Especially when it comes to fulfillment services, under which it provides packaging services, returns management, value-added services (completing, palletizing, labeling, etc.), quality control or post-warranty service. All this is based on innovative solutions and systems, ie CEVA Matrix WMS, automation and robotization (RPA). CEVA, being part of the CMA CGM Group, also has access to a wide range of facilities in sea and air freight. This allows for the creation of cross-selling services such as short sea shipping LCL between Eastern Europe and Great Britain using LNG-powered Containerships. CEVA Logistics Eastern Europe also contributes to the development of the newly created CMA CGM AIR CARGO division, which has 4 of its own Airbus A330-200F freighters.

In the region of Eastern Europe, CEVA's potential is based on an extensive network of branches in Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia and Russia. In total, the region has over 40 warehouses and other facilities with a total area of ​​nearly 600,000 sqm, which consists of dedicated and multi-user areas. Over 2.2 thousand people work here. people. The operator cooperates with companies from the industrial, automotive, pharmaceutical, technological and e-commerce sectors. This year, CEVA launched a new Ocean Freight Groupage (LCL) service between China and Eastern Europe from three major ports in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Ningbo. CEVA's strong position and thus high quality of services on this market is also confirmed by the agreement signed in March this year, a contract with the Polish Ministry of National Defense for the handling of general cargo air deliveries from the USA.

Guillaume Sauzedde, Managing Director, CEVA Logistics Eastern Europe, says: “Eastern Europe is a strategically important market for us, due to its enormous economic potential and its unique position in the European logistics services market. We have ambitious development plans in this region, including expanding our operations to new countries in the coming years. Thanks to the resources of the CMA CGM group, of which we are part, our extensive logistics network, the know-how and experience of local teams, combined with innovation and a comprehensive offer of integrated logistics services, we can flexibly respond to the needs of the market and customers from various industries.”