TotalEnergies and CMA CGM to launch LNG bunkering logistics joint venture

TotalEnergies and CMA CGM Group have entered into an agreement to develop a 50/50 logistics joint venture dedicated to the implementation and operation of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker supply solution at the port of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. This strategic partnership reflects the shared ambition of both French companies to work jointly towards the acceleration of the energy transition in the maritime sector.

Expanding LNG infrastructure in Europe

As part of this new logistics joint venture, a new 20,000 cubic-meter LNG bunker vessel will be positioned in Rotterdam by the end of 2028 and jointly operated. The CMA CGM-TotalEnergies JV will offer a complete logistics service, from reload access at Gate terminal facilities to LNG bunker delivery to a wide range of vessels operating in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region, including those of CMA CGM as well as other shipping operators.

The joint venture will capitalize on TotalEnergies’ established logistics infrastructure in the ARA region, where the 18,600 m³ LNG bunker vessel Gas Agility has been in operation since 2020.

By integrating the JV’s future LNG bunker vessel with Gas Agility, the partnership aims to create synergies that enhance delivery flexibility and boost operational efficiency across the region.

A long-term LNG supply agreement

To support CMA CGM’s goal of reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2050 and ensure the supply of its dual-fuel LNG-powered fleet, which will grow to 123 vessels by 2029, TotalEnergies will supply CMA CGM with up to 360,000 tons of LNG annually, from 2028 onwards and until 2040.

“We are proud to further contribute, alongside a partner like CMA CGM, to the development of an LNG bunkering supply chain in one of Europe’s leading port hubs. LNG is today the most mature and immediately available solution to reduce the environmental footprint of maritime transport. This strategic partnership not only strengthens our position as a major player in LNG bunkering but also illustrates the shared commitment of two leading French companies to actively support the energy transition,” said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.

“With this joint venture, CMA CGM and TotalEnergies are taking a new step to support the energy transition in shipping. For the first time, a shipping company and an energy provider will jointly operate an LNG bunkering vessel, based in the port of Rotterdam. It is a concrete way to scale up alternative fuels and accelerate the decarbonization of global trade,” said Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group.

The creation of the joint venture is subject to applicable regulatory approvals.

A committed partnership between two French industry leaders

• TotalEnergies and CMA CGM have been long-standing partners committed to advancing low-carbon marine solutions:
• In 2017: Signing of a 10-year agreement under which TotalEnergies supplies 300,000 tons of LNG annually to CMA CGM in Rotterdam.
• In 2019: Signing of a 10-year agreement under which TotalEnergies supplies 250,000 tons of LNG annually to CMA CGM in Marseille Fos.
• In 2020: First LNG bunkering of a large CMA CGM container vessel in Rotterdam, with 17,300 m³ of LNG delivered by TotalEnergies.
• In 2021: First LNG bunkering of a CMA CGM container ship in France, in Dunkirk, with nearly 16,400 m³ of LNG supplied.
• In 2022: First ship-to-containership LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Marseille Fos, with around 6,000 m³ of LNG delivered in Marseille Fos.