• CMA CGM Group and SUEZ sign an agreement to produce renewable fuel for the vessels of the CMA CGM Group.
• The agreement plans for the production of up to 100,000 tonnes of biomethane per year between now and 2030.
• Joint R&D initiatives will be conducted, and a joint investment program, funded by 100 million euros up to 2030, set up to develop biomethane production facilities.
The CMA CGM shipping group and Suez , a group active in circular waste management solutions, have signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU ) in order to establish a long-term industrial partnership on biomethane, a renewable fuel produced through the recovery of waste, to help to decarbonise maritime transport in Europe.
Three areas of collaboration
There are three areas of collaboration defined by the agreement. SUEZ‘s supply 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, thus contributing to the decarbonisation of maritime transport
A joint investment structure
The creation of a joint investment structure with an initial financing of 100 million euros for a first phase by 2030 to develop biomethane production plants. 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 through a hydrothermal gasification process.
CMA CGM invested 18 billion dollars in orders for 131 ships
“The CMA CGM group, committed to the energy transition of shipping and logistics, has set itself the objective of reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
A pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the group has invested 18 billion dollars in orders for 131 ships capable of using low-carbon energy (biomethane, biomethanol and synthetic fuels), which will be operational by 2028.
The CMA CGM group is also working alongside energy suppliers to develop production facilities and supply chains for these fuels” explained a note.
SUEZ avoid the emission of 6.4 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023
“SYEZ has extensive experience in producing local, sustainable energy and secondary raw materials from waste to support the decarbonisation of local authorities and industrial customers.
Thanks to its circular solutions, SUEZ has allowed its customers 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”.
French players in the energy transition
Rodolphe Saadé, president and CEO of CMA CGM, said: “The strategic partnership between CMA CGM and SUEZ among the main French players in the energy transition, marks an important step forward. It will allow us to support the biomethane sector dedicated to the maritime industry, while accelerating the decarbonization of CMA CGM Group and ensuring our carbon neutrality trajectory by 2050. This project also strengthens our energy independence, a fundamental asset for sovereignty of France and Europe”.
Sabrina Soussan, president and CEO of SUEZ, said: “I am pleased to work with CMA CGM Group, a key player in maritime transport. Together, we will develop
R&D initiatives
that will contribute to the decarbonisation of this strategic sector in Europe. This partnership for the production of biomethane is a further demonstration of Suez’s ambition to transform waste into new resources for the energy transition of the transport sector.”
