CMA CGM Group, a global player in maritime, land, air and logistics solutions, and SUEZ, a global leader in circular waste management solutions, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 18 October.
The aim of this collaboration between two complementary players is to establish a long-term industrial partnership on biomethane to help decarbonise shipping in Europe.
The MOU sets out three main areas of collaboration.
Firstly, SUEZ will supply up to 100,000 tonnes of biomethane per year by 2030. This biomethane would be used by CMA CGM Group for its gas-powered ships, thereby contributing to the decarbonisation of maritime transport.
Secondly, the organisations will create a joint investment structure, with an initial funding of €100 million by 2030, to develop biomethane production faciltities.
These sites, initially located in Europe, would supply both CMA CGM Group and other players in the sector.
Thirdly, the two companies will collaborate on R&D initiatives aimed at designing innovative technologies for the production of biofuels, in particular via a hydrothermal gasification process.
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.”