CMA CGM Group and SUEZ have signed an agreement to produce renewable fuel for the vessels of CMA CGM. The agreement plans for the production of up to 100,000 tonnes of biomethane per year between now and 2030.
CMA CGM Group and SUEZ, active in circular waste management solutions, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect on 18 October. 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.
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From production to R&D
This 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 shipping company 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 EUR 100 million for a 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.
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131 low-carbon fuelled vessels on order
CMA CGM Group has set itself the goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050. Pioneering the use of alternative fuels, the Group has invested USD 18 billion in orders for 131 vessels capable of using low-carbon energies (biomethane, biomethanol and synthetic fuels), which will be operational by 2028. CMA CGM Group is also working alongside energy providers to develop production facilities and supply chains for these fuels.
SUEZ has extensive expertise in the production of local and sustainable energy and secondary raw materials from waste to support the decarbonisation of local authorities and industrial customers. Through its circular solutions, SUEZ enabled its clients to avoid the emission of 6.4 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023. In particular, the Group converts 5 million tonnes of waste into energy every year, and produced 382 GWh of biomethane in 2023.
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Strengthening energy independence
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group: ‘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.’
Picture: CMA CGM’s Rodolphe Saade and SUEZ’ Sabrina Soussan sign the MoU (by CMA CGM).
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