Masdar and CMA CGM Sign Strategic Partnership for Supply of Green Alternative Fuels

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar and CMA CGM Group have signed a Strategic Supply Partnership (SSP) which will explore the two companies entering long-term green maritime fuels offtake contracts to supply CMA CGM vessels.

Strengthened partnership to decarbonize shipping through clean energies

The aim of the Partnership is to source, supply and deliver green alternative fuels for CMA CGM’s dual-fuel vessels, starting in 2025 and following the incremental phase-in of the vessels until 2028.

Masdar and CMA CGM will also continue to discuss extending their collaboration opportunities, potentially on green hydrogen and ammonia production.

Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, Masdar Chief Green Hydrogen Officer, said: "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.

Christine Cabau Woehrel, CMA CGM Group Executive Vice President in charge of Assets and Operations said: "To CMA CGM, the importance of the energy mix lies in our desire to be at the forefront of innovation for sustainable shipping.

"By being 'energy agnostic', we firmly believe in diversifying energy sources for our ships. This approach enables us to explore and adopt a variety of energy solutions, whether Biomethane, E-methane, liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, electrification or other alternative fuels.

"Our goal is clear: to provide and offer reliable shipping services while reducing our environmental impact and actively contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the marine industry."

Shared ambitions for more sustainable transport and logistics

Committed to reach Net Zero carbon by 2050, the CMA CGM Group has set new ambitions for its shipping activities: aim for the highest levels of the IMO GHG reduction objectives, i.e. 30% total emission reduction by 2030, compared to 2008, and 80% emission reduction by 2040.

To reach that ambition, CMA CGM accelerates its energy transition, notably through integrating low carbon fuels in its energy mix.

By capitalizing on Masdar’s expertise and global footprint, the cooperation will facilitate the deployment of CMA CGM's new generation of dual-fuel ships ready to use biofuels and e-fuels based on methane and methanol, of which 35 are currently in fleet and 84 in order.

Masdar aims to produce 1 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030, backed with the strong long-term commitment of the company’s shareholders, ADNOC, TAQA and Mubadala.