The CMA CGM Group is building a new zero-emission inland waterway transport solution in Vietnam. A 100 per cent electric barge will transport Nike products. In addition to the battery-powered barge, the project includes charging infrastructure powered by a new solar farm at the deep-sea terminal of Gemalink.
The e-barge will transport goods between Binh Duong and Cai Mep, on a 180 km round trip, achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding 778 tonnes of CO2 annually. CMA CGM is partnering with Nike on its commitment to use the e-barge for transportation of Nike products from Binh Duong Province to Gemalink.
The e-barge, with Nike’s commitment to use, helps CMA CGM achieve its goal of Net Zero Carbon by 2050, and promotes decarbonisation of maritime activity. More generally, it reinforces CMA CGM commitment in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, contributing to local economic development with stronger and greener supply chains.
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Solar farm and e-barge
The solar farm at Gemalink terminal in Cai Mep is 25 per cent owned by CMA CGM Group. It will produce 1 GWh of green electricity annually to recharge the e-barge.
The e-barge, co-designed by CMA CGM’s New Build and R&D teams in partnership with CATL for the battery technology, will be recharged using 100 per cent certified renewable electricity and will transport over 50,000 TEUs annually. The e-barge is expected to begin operations in 2026.
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Blueprint for other countries
The scalable solution is designed to be replicated in other countries.
Christine Cabau-Woehrel, Executive Vice-President Assets and Operations at CMA CGM: ‘It has been a great achievement to design and promote this project with Nike’s partnership for commitment of usage in Vietnam waterways, but can be replicated easily in other geographies and with other major customers. We are looking forward to duplicating and adapting this innovative solution with other cargo owners wishing to find solutions towards more sustainable transport modes.’
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Presence in Vietnam
CMA CGM Group has been present in Vietnam since 1989, currently operating five offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Haiphong, Danang and Quy Nhon with more than 550 employees. The group operates 29 weekly mainline services in seven ports across the country, connecting major global destinations to a cutting-edge intermodal network through CEVA Logistics.
Picture by CMA CGM.
