The shipping companies will collaborate to establish stringent standards for sustainable alternative fuels, including conducting comprehensive assessments of their entire lifecycle and associated greenhouse gas emissions. They will also play a key role in shaping the framework for the large-scale production of eco-friendly methane and methanol.
Furthermore, their joint efforts will involve the creation and maintenance of safety and bunkering standards for vessels using green methanol. Additionally, they will expedite preparations at major ports worldwide for bunkering and the supply of bio/electro-methanol. They have committed to exploring research and development initiatives, such as novel alternative fuels like ammonia and innovative ship technologies, as part of their overall net-zero strategy.
As leaders in the shipping industry’s transition to sustainable energy, both CMA CGM and Maersk are confident that this collaborative approach will accelerate the industry’s shift toward environmentally friendly practices. They aim to learn from each other’s experiences and achieve more rapid progress.
Both CMA CGM and Maersk have set ambitious net-zero targets for their shipping operations, identified scalable solutions for this decade, and have already taken significant steps individually to promote decarbonization. For example, Maersk has been procuring vessels capable of using bio/electro-methanol, while CMA CGM has invested in LNG-powered ships and those compatible with bio/electro-methanol. While these fuels currently appear to be the most mature options, both companies anticipate the development of additional fuel alternatives in the years to come.
Furthermore, Maersk and CMA CGM emphasize the crucial role of regulations in driving decarbonization within the sector. They welcome recent developments such as the International Maritime Organization’s 2023 strategy to reduce GHG emissions from ships, which includes more stringent emissions targets. They also appreciate regional measures like the EU Fit for 55 initiative and the Inflation Reduction Act in the US, which encourage the adoption of green shipping solutions.
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, stated that by pooling the expertise of two leading shipping companies, we will expedite the development of innovative solutions and technologies, enabling our industry to achieve its CO2 reduction objectives. We eagerly anticipate the participation of other companies in this endeavor.
Vincent Clerc, CEO at A.P. Moller-Maersk, added that A.P. Moller-Maersk is committed to accelerating the transition to green shipping and logistics. To accomplish this, we require strong collaboration from industry partners. We are pleased to have CMA CGM as an ally, demonstrating that determined efforts and partnerships can pave a tangible and optimistic path toward a sustainable future.
