The LNG-powered containership, the CMA CGM, on the river Elbe near the city of Hamburg, Germany, February 14, 2021. Photo: FrankHH / Shutterstock.com
Marseille-based CMA CGM Group and French utility SUEZ Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a long-term industrial partnership focused on renewable biomethane production.
The collaboration aims to significantly contribute to the decarbonization of shipping in Europe by harnessing the power of renewable fuel derived from waste recovery.
The partnership between these two industry giants outlines three key initiatives. First, SUEZ commits to supplying up to 100,000 tonnes of biomethane annually by 2030, which will be utilized by CMA CGM’s gas-powered fleet.
Second, a joint investment structure with an initial funding of 100 million euros will be created to develop biomethane production facilities across Europe. Lastly, the collaboration will foster joint research and development efforts, with a particular focus on innovative technologies such as hydrothermal gasification for biofuel production.
This strategic alliance aligns perfectly with CMA CGM Group’s ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050. The Group has already invested a staggering 18 billion dollars in 131 vessels capable of running on low-carbon energies, including biomethane, biomethanol, and synthetic fuels, in addition to fossil-based LNG. These ships are expected to be operational by 2028, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable shipping.
SUEZ brings to the table its extensive expertise in sustainable energy production from waste. In 2023 alone, SUEZ’s circular solutions helped its clients avoid 6.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The company currently converts 5 million tonnes of waste into energy annually and produced an impressive 382 GWh of biomethane in 2023.
“This strategic partnership marks a major step forward. It will enable us to support the biomethane sector dedicated to the shipping industry, while accelerating the decarbonization of CMA CGM Group and guaranteeing our carbon neutrality trajectory by 2050,” said Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group.
Saadé also highlighted the project’s role in strengthening energy independence, which he described as “a key asset for the sovereignty of France and Europe.”
Echoing this sentiment, Sabrina Soussan, Chairman and CEO of SUEZ, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “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.”
The CMA CGM-SUEZ partnership marks a major advance in reducing shipping’s carbon footprint. By utilizing biomethane, the companies address environmental issues while promoting a sustainable, energy-independent future in maritime transport.
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