CMA CGM signs biomethane MoU with Suez

CMA CGM has signed a memorandum of understanding with circular waste management solutions company Suez to partner on biomethane production in Europe.

The MoU sets out three main areas of collaboration, with Suez to supply up to 100,000 tonnes of biomethane to CMA CGM annually by 2030 for use in its gas-powered ships.

A joint investment deal will be established with initial stage one funding of €100m by 2030. The funds will be used to develop biomethane production facilities, starting in Europe, to supply biomethane to CMA CGM and others.

The final part of the agreement covers joint research and development into biofuel production technologies with a focus on hydrothermal gasification.

CMA CGM has stated its intention to continue looking for future fuel solutions and has dual-fuel LNG and methanol ships in its orderbook. The group said it has 131 vessels on order capable of using low-carbon energies including biomethane, biomethanol and synthetic fuels, due for delivery by 2028.

Suez produced 382 GWh of biomethane in 2023, it claims, and enabled its clients to avoid 6.4m tonnes of CO2 emissions by converting 5m tonnes of waste into energy.

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.”

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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."