CMA CGM and Maersk to work together towards decarbonisation in shipping industry

Shipping and logistics companies Maersk A/S and CMA CGM will work together on several areas related to decarbonisation, according to information sourced from the Maersk webpage. This, in order to help accelerate the green transition in shipping by sharing knowledge to accelerate and deepen advancements.

CMA CGM and Maersk have both set a net-zero target. Some concrete steps taken include ordering vessels that can be operated on bio/e-methanol (Maersk), and ordering LNG-propelled vessels that can also be operated on bio/e-methane, and placing orders for vessels that can be operated on bio/e-methanol (CMA CGM). Maersk states that this appears to be the most mature among existing solutions, but both companies expect future fuel mix will include other streams.

Details of Maersk and CMA CGM’s planned work towards decarbonisation 

The companies plan to undertake work related to the development of the use of alternative greener fuels for container vessel propulsion. This includes: 

• Developing high standards for alternative sustainable, green fuels – including the analysis of full lifecycle and related greenhouse gasses – and helping to setting the framework of mass production of green methane and green methanol.
• Developing and maintaining standards for operation of green methanol vessels with regards to safety and bunkering, as well as accelerating port readiness for bunkering and supply of bio/e-methanol at key ports around the world.
• Continuing to explore jointly R&D on other components of the net zero solution as new alternative fuels, like ammonia, or innovation technology for our ships.

Advocacy for the energy transition of the industry

Maersk and CMA CGM also publicly back the outcome of the recent Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization during which the IMO’s 2023 strategy for reducing GHG Emissions from Ships was adopted, with reinforced targets to tackle harmful emissions. 

Further, according to Maersk the two companies commit to jointly advocating for and encouraging IMO Member States to adopt ambitious measures in their pursuit of the highest attainable goals. Regional measures such as the EU Fit for 55 and the Inflation Reduction Act in the US are welcomed by both companies to help stimulate demand for green shipping solutions.

The two companies have also affirmed their “readiness to collaboratively engage with regulatory stakeholders in establishing a robust and sustainable international regulatory GHG framework and invite other international shipping lines who so wish to join them in this cooperation with the regulatory institutions.”

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, states: “This partnership is a milestone for the decarbonization of our industry. By combining the know-how and the expertise of two shipping leaders, we will accelerate the development of new solutions and technologies, enabling our industry to reach its CO2 reduction targets. We are looking forward to being joined by other companies.”

Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer at A.P. Moller – Maersk, states: “A.P. Moller - Maersk wants to accelerate the green transition in shipping and logistics and to do so, we need strong involvement from partners across the industry. We are pleased to have an ally in CMA CGM and it’s a testament that when we united through determined efforts and partnerships, a tangible and optimistic path toward a sustainable future emerges.”

Find more information on Maersk's website.