The French CMA CGM Group is constructing a new zero-emission inland waterway transport solution in Vietnam, featuring a 100% electric barge powered by batteries and a charging infrastructure powered by a solar farm at the deep-sea terminal of Gemalink.
The e-barge will transport goods between Binh Duong and Cai Mep, on a 180km round trip, achieving zero GHG emissions and avoiding an estimated 778t of CO2 annually. CMA CGM is partnering with Nike on its commitment to use the e-barge for transportation of Nike products from Binh Duong Province to Gemalink.
The e-barge, with Nike’s commitment to use, will help CMA CGM achieve its goal of net zero carbon by 2050, and promotes decarbonisation of maritime activity. More generally, it reinforces CMA CGM’s commitment in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, contributing to local economic development with stronger and greener supply chains.
The e-barge is co-designed by CMA CGM’s New Build and R&D teams in partnership with CATL for the battery technology. It will be recharged using 100% certified renewable electricity and will transport over 50,000 TEU annually. Nike has committed to optimise the use of the e-barge for Nike shipments between Binh Duong Province and Gemalink. The e-barge is expected to begin operations in 2026.
The new dedicated solar farm on the premises of Gemalink will produce 1GWH of green electricity annually to recharge the e-barge.
CMA CGM says it is pioneering the transition to more sustainable inland waterway transport and greener terminal infrastructure, while the construction of the solar farm will promote responsible economic development in the region and provide local employment. CMA CGM Group has been present in Vietnam since 1989, currently operating five offices with more than 550 employees.
Christine Cabau-Woehrel, CMA CGM EVP Assets and Operations said: “It has been a great achievement to design and promote this project with Nike’s partnership for commitment of usage in Vietnam waterways but can be replicated easily in other geographies and with other major customers. We are looking forward to duplicating and adapting this innovative solution with other cargo owners wishing to find solutions towards more sustainable transport modes.”
Image: CMA CGM and Nike are partners in a Vietnamese zero-emission inland transport project (source: CMA CGM Group)
