Hello everyone,

My name is Chris McKenna, and I am a sophomore at Massachusetts Maritime Academy studying International Maritime Business. I am from Weymouth, MA and graduated from Weymouth High School.

After a nice day of rest yesterday, we left AIT at 8:30 this morning to visit CMA CGM Thailand Ltd. Once we arrived at the Central Business District of Bangkok with towering skyscrapers, we were taken to the 36th floor of the U Chu Liang building to the CMA CGM conference room with a great view of the city.

We were given a very interesting presentation on CMA CGM. The presentation was led by Mr. Ekkachai Boonmacharoen- Chief Commercial Officer, and Mr. Worawoot Thongton- Agency Operation Director. As they walked us through the presentation, they allowed questions and students were able get answers to whatever queries they had.

The presentation was split into four different sections. The first section began with a basic introduction explaining their transportation and logistical activities, followed by their global presence and history. They wrapped up by showing the company’s capacity and market share which is currently at third place in the top 15 shipping companies, but is projected to grow to second by the end of the year.

The second section involved the company’s presence in Thailand. We were shown how the company is spread across the country and how it operates.

The third section was on Logistics Service and Custom Clearance. We were shown the Terminals operated by CMA CGM in Bangkok and Laem Chabang and their plans for future terminals in Thailand.

The final section of the presentation was Key Issues & Challenges on Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Here they would show us problems they would be facing such as Feeder space, and how it would impact storage costs. They would then show us other challenges with vessel delays and equipment supply issues. Throughout the presentation what I found most interesting was how the company plans to use AI in the near future to help optimize workflow within the company.

They emphasized the importance of teamwork in the organization and growing as a massive shipping company with a green and people centric focus.

After this presentation, we left CMA CGM and went to visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). When we arrived there, we had to get into a ferry boat and cross the Chao Phraya River to arrive at the temple. Once there, we were given free time to walk around the temple area and to take in the culture. I found the history of the temple quite interesting, as the large monuments around it were quite large and very beautiful. Several of our students dressed in traditional Thai costumes.After about an hour and a half of students walking around enjoying the scenery, we had to get back on the boat to leave the temple and leave for AIT. A fascinating day in Bangkok!