CMA CGM has announced the launch of an electric and hybrid inland barge project on the Fos–Lyon corridor, with an annual capacity potential of nearly 12,000 TEU and a targeted deployment within two years.
The initiative marks a new step in the development of low-carbon logistics along the Mediterranean–Rhône–Saône (MeRS) axis.
The project was unveiled during a visit to Lyon by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, in the presence of French Minister for Transport Philippe Tabarot and Philippe Valentin, President of the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
It reflects CMA CGM’s ambition to strengthen inland waterway transport in the Rhône Valley while improving the performance and sustainability of regional supply chains.
The project is supported by Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR), which is developing dedicated charging infrastructure along the Rhône.
CMA CGM plans to deploy a 185-metre electric and hybrid barge with a capacity of 156 TEU on the Fos–Lyon route.
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Construction is planned in Europe, with delivery targeted for 2028. Discussions are at an advanced stage with operator Combronde for the operation and commercialization of the service.
In parallel, technical studies are underway with CNR for charging stations in Lyon and Arles, with works beginning this week in coordination with the Sud and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions and supported by European funding mechanisms.
The announcement comes as CMA CGM advances a broader investment strategy in Lyon. In April 2025, a consortium led by CMA CGM — alongside Banque des Territoires, the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne CCI and the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolitan CCI — secured a 30-year sub-concession for the Lyon Rhône Terminal, a strategic multi-user multimodal facility on the MeRS corridor.
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A €40 million ($47 million) investment has been confirmed to modernise the terminal’s inland facilities, with works scheduled to begin this year and spread over two years.
By 2030, CMA CGM aims to double its multimodal volumes in Lyon, increasing inland waterway traffic to 100,000 TEU per year and rail volumes to 60,000 TEU per year.
To accelerate development of the Fos–Lyon corridor, the Group has strengthened service frequency by committing, alongside Combronde, to two additional weekly barge rotations, supplementing an existing offer of four weekly departures with a 36-hour transit time.
The initiative is designed to promote a regular, reliable, competitive and decarbonised logistics solution between the Port of Marseille-Fos, Lyon and the Rhône Valley, while supporting modal shift and reducing congestion on the A7 motorway.
For more information:
CMA CGM – https://www.cma-cgm.com/
