Introduction For the efficient movement of goods services and related products from one place to another, there must be a system that facilitates the flow. Maritime logistics ensures that the products are efficiently moved from different locations. It involves the supply of raw materials to the manufacturers, the distribution of the products to the suppliers and the delivery of the final products to the consumers of the products. A large proportion of the world trade is carried out in the sea; hence, for the efficient maritime transportation, there must be confidence in the transportation by sea, while the ports that handle the products must be efficiently run so as to minimize delays and loss of cargo. Maritime logistics can be defined as a detailed coordination of maritime activities with relation to people, facilities and supplies (Mangan, Lalwani and Butcher, 2008, p 8). The maritime logistics industry is faced with stiff competition. There are few and large maritime logistics companies which are mostly involved in all the areas of the world. Mergers and acquisitions are usually common in the industry as the main players of the industry try to consolidate their position (Zhang and Alon, 2011 p 108). Due to the presence of the few and large companies, the companies which are involved in the maritime trade must be able to effectively locate themselves through efficient strategic planning. The company must be able to effectively use its strong points to achieve a competitive edge, failure to do so will result in the collapse of the company and ultimate acquisition by the other large companies. Critical factors which will ensure that the company gains a competitive edge are quality, cost and time. There are various types of cargo which are transported by the maritime organizations. These include:   * Containerized cargo: this refers to cargo which is usually stored in containers. A wide range of goods are usually transported in this method. The containerized goods are easy to handle as the containers are usually of set standards hence facilitating mechanization of their handling.   * Bulk cargo: this refers to goods which are loose and not containerized. Cement, grains and ores are usually transported in this form.   * Automobiles: This refers to vehicles and trucks.   * Project cargo: this refers to heavy machinery or equipment which is used by a company for a specific purpose. Handling of this type of cargo usually requires special equipments. CMA CGM logistics CMA CGM is a company which has its headquarters in Marseille. It is ranked as the third largest container shipping company and offers a range of specialized services to suit the needs of the customers. CMA CGM has 352 vessels which operate on 170 shipping routes. The routes help in connecting 150 countries. CMA CGM logistics has many subsidiary companies. The company has consolidated its position by acquiring other companies in the maritime industry. The company acquired Delmas, a French maritime company, which was among its major competitors, hence moving from the fifth position to the third position (anon, 2005). The acquisitions usually elicit so many questions on the antitrust regulation regarding the creation of a conducive and com