French shipping company CMA CGM Group and SUEZ, a circular waste management solution provider, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 18 October, aiming to establish a long-term industrial partnership on biomethane, a renewable fuel produced through waste recovery, to help decarbonise shipping in Europe.
The agreement 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 CMA CGM 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 €100 million (US$108 million) for the 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.
CMA CGM has set itself the goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050. Pioneering the use of alternative fuels, the Marseille-based ocean carrier has invested US$18 billion in orders for 131 vessels capable of using low-carbon energies (biomethane, biomethanol and synthetic fuels), which will be operational by 2028.
Meanwhile, 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.
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, commented, “The partnership 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.”
