- French Giants Partner to Expand LNG Marine Fuel in Europe.
- New LNG Bunker Vessel Set for Rotterdam Under TotalEnergies-CMA CGM JV.
- TotalEnergies to Supply 360,000 Tons of LNG Annually to CMA CGM.
TotalEnergies and the CMA CGM Group have teamed up to form a 50/50 joint venture aimed at creating and managing an LNG bunkering solution at the Port of Rotterdam. This collaboration unites two prominent French companies that share a common goal of promoting the maritime energy transition, reports TotalEnergies.
New LNG Bunker Vessel Planned by 2028
At the core of this new partnership is the plan to launch a 20,000 cubic-meter LNG bunker vessel, which is set to be operational by the end of 2028. Based in Rotterdam, this vessel will cater to ships throughout the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region, including CMA CGM’s expanding dual-fuel fleet and vessels from other shipping companies.
This new vessel will enhance TotalEnergies’ current LNG operations in the area, which already includes the Gas Agility, an 18,600 m³ LNG bunker ship that has been in service since 2020. Together, these resources are expected to improve delivery flexibility and boost logistics efficiency across Northern Europe.
Securing LNG Supply Through Long-Term Agreement
To support CMA CGM’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, the agreement features a long-term LNG supply contract. Beginning in 2028 and lasting through 2040, TotalEnergies will provide CMA CGM with up to 360,000 tons of LNG each year. This supply will power the company’s dual-fuel fleet, which is anticipated to grow to 123 vessels by 2029.
“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.
A Proven Maritime Partnership
This latest development is a testament to the strong partnership between TotalEnergies and CMA CGM in the realm of LNG bunkering:
- Back in 2017, the two companies kicked off a 10-year LNG supply agreement for Rotterdam.
- Then in 2019, they sealed another long-term deal for Marseille Fos.
- In 2020, CMA CGM’s massive container ship was fueled with LNG by TotalEnergies in Rotterdam.
- The following year, they achieved a significant milestone by conducting France’s first LNG bunkering operation in Dunkirk.
- In 2022, they completed the first ship-to-containership LNG transfer at the Port of Marseille Fos.
These achievements highlight a growing partnership dedicated to enhancing cleaner marine fuel solutions and reducing the carbon footprint of global shipping. The joint venture remains subject to regulatory approval.
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Source: TotalEnergies
