CMA CGM, SUEZ ink MoU on decarbonisation

The CMA CGM Group and SUEZ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on new decarbonisation efforts in maritime.

The aim of this collaboration is to establish a long-term industrial partnership on biomethane, a renewable fuel produced through waste recovery, to help decarbonise shipping in Europe.

The MoU sets out three main areas of collaboration:

The supply by SUEZ of up to 100,000 tonnes of biomethane per year by 2030. This biomethane would be used by the Group for its gas-powered ships, thereby contributing to the decarbonisation of maritime transport.

The creation of a joint investment structure with an initial funding of €100 million ($108 million) for the first stage by 2030 to develop biomethane production facilities. These sites, initially located in Europe, would supply both CMA CGM Group and other players in the sector.

Joint research and development (R&D) initiatives aimed at designing innovative technologies for the production of biofuels, in particular via a hydrothermal gasification process.

CMA CGM has invested $18 billion in orders for 131 vessels capable of using low-carbon energies (biomethane, biomethanol and synthetic fuels), which will be operational by 2028. The Group is also working alongside energy providers to develop production facilities and supply chains for these fuels.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, said: “The strategic partnership between CMA CGM and SUEZ, one of France’s leading players in the energy transition, marks a major step forward.

“It will enable us to support the biomethane sector dedicated to the shipping industry, while accelerating the decarbonisation of CMA CGM Group and guaranteeing our carbon neutrality trajectory by 2050. This project also strengthens our energy independence, a key asset for the sovereignty of France and Europe.”

Sabrina Soussan, Chairman and CEO of SUEZ, said: “I am delighted to be working with the CMA CGM Group, a key player in maritime transport. Together, we are going to develop circular solutions that will contribute to the decarbonisation of this strategic sector in Europe.

“This partnership for biomethane production is a further illustration of SUEZ’s ambition to turn waste into new resources for the energy transition of the transport sector.”

Last month, the Port of Long Beach, and Shenzhen Port Group, along with multiple partners signed a MoU to work together to decarbonise ocean trade.