CMA CGM will introduce Vietnam’s first zero-emissions inland transport solution: a fully electric barge powered by green energy, supported by a new solar farm at Gemalink terminal in Cai Mep.
The e-barge will make the 180-kilometre-return journey from Binh Duong Province to the deep-sea terminal of Gemalink, emitting zero GHG emissions, enabling to reduction of 778 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year, powered by electric batteries only.
The e-barge, an innovation co-designed by CMA CGM’s New Build and R&D teams in partnership with CATL for the battery technology, will be recharged using 100 per cent certified renewable electricity and will transport over 50,000 TEUs annually.
NIKE has committed to optimise the use of the e-barge for NIKE shipments between Binh Duong Province and Gemalink. The e-barge is expected to begin operations in 2026.
A new dedicated solar farm on the premises of Gemalink will reportedly produce 1 gigawatt-hour (GWH) of green electricity annually to recharge the e-barge.
CMA CGM is creating a scalable and innovative land connectivity solution, that includes the development of e-barge, charging station, and solar farm.
According to CMA CGM, the territorial anchoring and local jobs created for the construction of the solar farm will promote responsible economic development in the region. This project will also contribute to enhancing Vietnam’s competitiveness in the renewable energy and sustainable logistics sectors in Southeast Asia.
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Christine Cabau-Woehrel, Executive Vice-President Assets and Operations at CMA CGM declared: “It has been a great achievement to design and promote this project with NIKE’s partnership for commitment of usage in Vietnam waterways but can be replicated easily in other geographies and with other major customers.
“We are looking forward to duplicating and adapting this innovative solution with other cargo owners wishing to find solutions towards more sustainable transport modes.”
