CMA CGM Group and SUEZ have sealed a biomethane deal to supply renewable fuel for the vessels of the French carrier operator.
The agreement plans for the production of up to 100,000 tonnes of biomethane per year between now and 2030.
The MOU signed between the two parties sets out three main areas of collaboration.
Under the terms of the deal, this biomethane would be used by the Group for its gas-powered ships. SUEZ will supply of up to 100,000 tonnes of biomethane per year by 2030.
The deal outlines the creation of a joint investment structure with an initial funding of €100m for a 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 will be conducted aimed at designing innovative technologies for the production of biofuels, in particular via a hydrothermal gasification process.
As the two partners claim, the aim of this collaboration is to establish a long-term industrial partnership on biomethane, a renewable fuel produced through waste recovery, to help decarbonise shipping in Europe.
CMA CGM Group has invested 18 billion dollars in orders for 131 vessels capable of using low-carbon energies (biomethane, biomethanol and synthetic fuels), which will be operational by 2028.
The French carrier is also working alongside energy providers to develop production facilities and supply chains for these fuels.
Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, said: “The strategic partnership between CMA CGM and SUEZ, one of France’s leading players in the energy transition, marks a major step forward.
“It 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.”
Sabrina Soussan, chairman and CEO of SUEZ, noted: “I am delighted to be working with the CMA CGM Group, a key player in maritime transport. Together, we are going to develop circular solutions that will contribute to the decarbonisation of this strategic sector in Europe.”
