Masdar to explore green maritime fuels supply to France's CMA CGM

Masdar and CMA CGM Group sign strategic partnership. Source: Masdar.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, better known as Masdar, and CMA CGM Group have agreed to consider signing long-term contracts under which the French shipping and logistics company will buy green alternative fuels for its vessels.

The two companies have signed a Strategic Supply Partnership (SSP), the goal of which is to secure green alternative fuels supply for CMA CGM’s dual-fuel vessels, in the port of Abu Dhabi, beginning in 2025 and following the incremental phase-in of the vessels until 2028. The Marseille-based provider of sea, land, air and logistics solutions expects to have a 119-strong fleet of vessels running on green alternative fuels by 2028.

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In addition, Masdar and CMA CGM will continue to discuss expanding into other opportunities including green hydrogen and ammonia production.

“As a pioneer in advancing the clean energy sector and a key enabler of the UAE’s vision as a global leader in sustainability and climate action, Masdar’s ambition is to be one of the leading players in the development of green hydrogen globally. It is our belief that global maritime is one of the most strategic markets for green hydrogen and synthetic fuels are one of the fastest, most rewarding market segments. This agreement aligns with our “smart-first-mover” approach to deliver projects with strategic partners in the UAE and across the world,” said Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, Masdar’s Chief Green Hydrogen Officer.

At the same time, Christine Cabau Woehrel, CMA CGM Group Executive Vice President in charge of Assets and Operations, describes the group as “energy agnostic”, meaning that it is willing to adopt any energy source such as biomethane, e-methane, liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, electrification, or other alternative fuels.

The French group wants to cut its total emissions by 30% by 2030 and 80% by 2040 from a 2008 baseline. Ultimately, it seeks to reach net zero by 2050.