French shipping company CMA CGM has partnered with waste management solutions provider Suez to produce biomethane in Europe. This collaboration aims to enhance CMA CGM’s access to sustainable fuel for its fleet. Suez will supply up to 100,000 tons of biomethane annually to CMA CGM by 2030, which will be used to power the company’s gas-powered vessels.
The partnership also includes a joint investment plan with an initial funding of €100 million by 2030 to develop biomethane production facilities. These facilities will initially be established in Europe and will not only serve CMA CGM but also other customers looking for eco-friendly fuel options. Additionally, the agreement involves joint research and development efforts to advance biofuel production technologies, particularly focusing on hydrothermal gasification.
CMA CGM has been proactive in exploring sustainable fuel solutions, as evidenced by the inclusion of dual-fuel LNG and methanol ships in its order book. The company has 131 vessels on order, all capable of utilizing low-carbon energies like biomethane, biomethanol, and synthetic fuels, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2028.
In 2023, Suez reported producing 382GWh of biomethane, helping its clients avoid 6.4 million tons of CO2 emissions by converting 5 million tons of waste into energy. Suez’s chairman and CEO, Sabrina Soussan, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with CMA CGM to develop circular solutions that contribute to decarbonizing the maritime transport sector in Europe. This partnership highlights Suez’s commitment to transforming waste into valuable resources for the energy transition in the transportation industry.
