Masdar and CMA CGM forge green maritime fuels alliance

Abu Dhabi-based clean energy company Masdar and French shipping major CMA CGM have signed a strategic supply partnership (SSP) to explore opportunities for long-term green maritime fuels offtake contracts.

Masdar revealed the agreement on January 30, stating that the partnership aims to source, supply, and deliver green alternative fuels for CMA CGM’s dual-fuel vessels in the port of Abu Dhabi.

The supply of alternative fuels will start in 2025 and follow the incremental phase-in of the vessels until 2028.

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

As part of its commitment to reach net zero by 2050, CMA CGM has set ambitions for a 30% total emission reduction by 2030, compared to 2008, and an 80% emission reduction by 2040. To reach that ambition, the French company accelerates its energy transition, notably by integrating low-carbon fuels into its energy mix.

The cooperation with Masdar is expected to 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.

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

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, stated: “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.”