The French shipping giant, CMA CGM Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the market-leading circular waste management firm, SUEZ, for the supply of biomethane to further the maritime sector’s decarbonisation efforts.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) identifies three key areas for collaboration:
- For SUEZ to supply up to 100,000 tonnes of biomethane per year by 2030, which will be used by CMA CGM for gas-powered ships.
- The development of biomethane production facilities through a joint investment structure with first stage funding of €100 million by 2030.
- Joint research and development initiatives for designing innovative technology for the production of biofuels, in particular via a hydrothermal gasification process.
CMA CGM has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has invested $18 billion in orders for 131 vessels capable of using low-carbon fuels by 2028. SUEZ aims to facilitate this through its circular waste solutions, which in 2023 enabled its clients to avoid emitting 6.4 million tonnes of CO2. The company converts 5 million tonnes of waste into energy every year and in 2023 produced 382 GWh of biomethane.
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. This project also strengthens our energy independence, a key asset for the sovereignty of France and Europe.”
Sabrina Soussan, Chairman and CEO of SUEZ, said: “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. 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.”
Source: CMA CGM / SUEZ