On October 18, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in maritime, land, air, and logistics solutions, and SUEZ, a world leader in circular solutions for waste management, signed a memorandum of understanding. This collaboration between two complementary entities aims to establish a long-term industrial partnership for biomethane production, a renewable fuel generated from waste valorization, to contribute to the decarbonization of maritime transport in Europe.
This memorandum outlines three main areas of collaboration:
- Biomethane Supply: SUEZ will provide up to 100,000 tons of biomethane per year by 2030. This biomethane will be used by CMA CGM for its gas-powered ships, thus aiding in the decarbonization of maritime transport.
- Joint Investment Structure: The creation of a joint investment structure with an initial budget of €100 million aimed at developing biomethane production sites. Initially located in Europe, these sites will supply the CMA CGM Group and other industry players.
- Joint R&D Initiatives: Collaborative research and development initiatives will focus on designing innovative technologies for biofuel production, including hydrothermal gasification processes.
The CMA CGM Group is committed to the energy transition in maritime transport and logistics, aiming to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050. As a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the Group has committed $18 billion to order 131 vessels capable of using low-carbon energies (biomethane, biomethanol, and synthetic fuels), which will be operational by 2028. The CMA CGM Group is also working with energy companies to develop production pathways and supply chains for these fuels.
To support the decarbonization of its clients, both public and private, SUEZ brings strong expertise in local and sustainable energy production as well as secondary raw materials from waste. Through circular solutions, SUEZ helped its clients avoid the emission of 6.4 million tons of CO2 in 2023. The Group valorizes 5 million tons of waste for energy each year and produced 382 GWh of biomethane in 2023.
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, stated: “The strategic partnership between CMA CGM and SUEZ, a flagship of energy in France, marks an important milestone. It will enable us to support the biomethane sector dedicated to maritime transport while accelerating the decarbonization of the CMA CGM Group and ensuring our carbon neutrality trajectory by 2050. This project also strengthens our energy autonomy, a key asset for the sovereignty of France and Europe.
Source: suez
