Masdar, CMA CGM Group forge strategic partnership for green maritime fuels

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, a leader in renewable energy, and CMA CGM Group, a global force in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, have entered into a pivotal Strategic Supply Partnership (SSP). This collaboration aims to explore long-term green maritime fuels offtake contracts to supply CMA CGM vessels, setting a new benchmark in the industry’s move towards decarbonization.

This partnership is set to commence in 2025, with the gradual integration of dual-fuel vessels through 2028, sourcing, supplying, and delivering green alternative fuels. Masdar and CMA CGM are also considering extending their collaboration to green hydrogen and ammonia production.

Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, Masdar’s Chief Green Hydrogen Officer, emphasized Masdar’s role as a pioneer in the clean energy sector and its ambition to be a global leader in green hydrogen development. He highlighted the strategic significance of global maritime as a market for green hydrogen and synthetic fuels.

Christine Cabau Woehrel, CMA CGM Group Executive Vice President in charge of Assets and Operations, underscored CMA CGM’s commitment to being ‘energy agnostic’ and diversifying energy sources for ships. The group’s approach enables the exploration and adoption of various energy solutions, contributing actively to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the marine industry.

CMA CGM Group, committed to achieving Net Zero carbon by 2050, has set ambitious targets to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 and 80% by 2040, compared to 2008 levels. The Group is accelerating its energy transition by integrating low carbon fuels into its energy mix.

Masdar, leveraging its expertise and global presence, will aid in deploying CMA CGM’s new generation of dual-fuel ships, ready to use biofuels and e-fuels. These fuels are based on methane and methanol, with 35 ships currently in the fleet and 84 on order. Masdar plans to produce 1 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030, supported by its shareholders ADNOC, TAQA, and Mubadala.

CMA CGM maintains a significant presence in the United Arab Emirates, playing a vital role in the region’s connectivity and commercial development. With its regional office in Dubai, covering over 40 countries and key ports in the region, CMA CGM is uniquely positioned to meet customer needs, support international trade, and contribute to economic growth by offering innovative logistics solutions.

This partnership between Masdar and CMA CGM Group represents a major step forward in the sustainable transformation of the shipping industry, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental responsibility.