CMA CGM Unveils Zero-Emission E-Barge in Vietnam to Support Sustainable Inland Waterway Transport

CMA CGM Unveils Zero-Emission E-Barge in Vietnam to Support Sustainable Inland Waterway Transport

(IN BRIEF) CMA CGM Group has introduced a zero-emission electric barge in Vietnam, powered entirely by batteries and supported by a new solar farm at the Gemalink terminal. The e-barge will transport goods between Binh Duong and Cai Mep, reducing CO2 emissions by 778 tons annually. Partnering with NIKE, CMA CGM aims to achieve its Net Zero Carbon goal by 2050. This project also contributes to local economic growth, creating jobs and supporting Vietnam’s renewable energy and logistics sectors. The e-barge is set to begin operations in 2026 and serves as a model for sustainable transport in other regions.

(PRESS RELEASE) MARSEILLE, 18-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — CMA CGM Group is launching a pioneering zero-emission inland waterway transport solution in Vietnam, featuring a 100% electric barge powered entirely by batteries. This innovative project, which includes a charging infrastructure supported by a new solar farm at the Gemalink deep-sea terminal, is designed to transport goods between Binh Duong and Cai Mep, covering a 180 km round trip. The e-barge will operate without emitting any greenhouse gases, effectively reducing CO2 emissions by 778 tons annually.

The new e-barge is part of a partnership with NIKE, which has committed to using the vessel for transporting products from Binh Duong Province to Gemalink. This collaboration aligns with CMA CGM’s broader goal to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050 and contributes to the decarbonization of maritime logistics. Furthermore, it enhances CMA CGM’s commitment to Vietnam and Southeast Asia by supporting local economic growth through the development of sustainable, greener supply chains.

This fully electric barge is a result of collaboration between CMA CGM’s New Build and R&D teams, alongside battery technology provider CATL. It will be powered exclusively by renewable electricity from a dedicated solar farm, which will generate 1 GWh of green electricity annually. Once operational in 2026, the e-barge is set to transport more than 50,000 TEUs annually, making a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint of the region’s freight transport.

The solar farm, located at the Gemalink terminal, will provide the necessary energy to recharge the e-barge, further reinforcing CMA CGM’s scalable and innovative approach to inland transport. This initiative, which is aligned with Vietnam’s Net Zero by 2050 goals, also serves as a model that can be replicated in other regions, contributing to global sustainability efforts.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the project promises to create local jobs for the construction of the solar farm and support the development of Vietnam’s renewable energy and sustainable logistics sectors, enhancing the country’s competitiveness within Southeast Asia. CMA CGM has been present in Vietnam since 1989, and the introduction of this innovative project marks a key milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations.

Christine Cabau-Woehrel, Executive Vice-President of Assets and Operations at CMA CGM, commented:
“Partnering with NIKE on this groundbreaking project is a significant achievement for CMA CGM. The success of this e-barge initiative in Vietnam offers a replicable model for other regions and customers seeking to adopt sustainable transport solutions. We are excited to expand this innovative approach and collaborate with other partners committed to reducing their carbon footprint.”

Media Contact:

media@cma-cgm.com

SOURCE: CMA CGM