CMA CGM, Panalpina Ink Sustainability Pact

French container shipping giant CMA CGM and Swiss ocean freight forwarder Panalpina have signed a sustainability agreement aimed at reducing their respective carbon emissions by 2025.

CMA CGM aims to reduce carbon emissions per standard container (TEU) transported by 30 percent by 2025 (baseline 2015).

“We are determined to reach that goal by investing in highly fuel-efficient vessels, making constant technical improvements, and retrofitting our fleet,” Julien Topenot, head of environment and sustainability at CMA CGM, said.

“Partnering with strategic partners such as CMA CGM that are technology driven and share a similar vision of sustainability, and using them to transport our customers’ cargo will help us achieve our ambitious sustainability goals,” Lindsay Zingg, Panalpina’s global head of quality, health, safety and environment (QHSE), commented.

Panalpina is one of 140 companies globally with approved Science Based Targets where the company – amongst other targets – commits to reduce CO2 emissions from subcontracted transportation by 22 percent by 2025 (baseline 2013).

As of 2020, newbuild LNG-powered mega-vessels with a capacity of 22,000 twenty-foot containers (TEUs) will help achieve the environmental goals, according to the companies. CMA CGM has nine LNG-powered mega-vessels or ultra large container vessels (ULCVs) on order, which are scheduled for delivery in 2020.

“Compared to current fuel-powered vessels, our new LNG vessels will enable a reduction of up to 25 percent in CO2. They will also generate 99% less sulphur emissions, 99% less fine particles and 85% less nitrogen oxides emissions,” Topenot explained.

“We are already using CMA CGM’s most efficient and environmentally-friendly services. With this new agreement, both Panalpina and CMA CGM reinforce their commitment to sustainability,” Zingg added.

The scope of the sustainability agreement between CMA CGM and Panalpina goes beyond the reduction of the environmental impact via eco-friendly transport solutions. The companies have committed to collaborate, innovate and improve in four key areas: the environment, ethics and compliance, social responsibility, and community.

Initiatives where CMA GGM and Panalpina intend to work more closely together include occupational health and safety programs, local sourcing as well as emergency relief and support.