The CMA CGM Group announced that it signed a framework agreement with the French national institute for ocean science, Ifremer, on scientific cooperation to boost research into marine conservation and restoration.

The three-year partnership aims to improve understanding of these environments, to advance conservation and restoration efforts.

 Source: CMA CGM

"Through its work and its expertise, Ifremer helps us better understand the oceans and their resources, monitors the marine and coastal environment, and promotes the sustainable development of maritime activities," CMA CGM said in a statement, adding that the Group will provide financial assistance and support through its TANGRAM centre of excellence.

Collaboration between the partners will be structured around three focal points: biodiversity, innovation and decarbonization of the shipping sector.

Projects to commence in 2023

The project will involve concrete projects in the Mediterranean, French Antilles and other regions. CMA CGM noted that the first three projects will start in 2023 and include a scientific mission that will immerse structures in creating an underwater habitat to assess the state of ecological restoration in the urban marine area in the Port of Marseille; a research mission to study the impact on marine biodiversity of sargassum, a brown seaweed that can cause health issues and economic damage in the French Antilles; and a scientific expedition aboard ships from the CMA CGM Group fleet, to observe and gather data and information on marine fauna around the world.

“This partnership with Ifremer, a French institute renowned in the field of marine biodiversity and conservation, will advance research and our understanding of marine life in the Mediterranean and French Antilles. Using the CMA CGM Group fleet to expand our knowledge of ocean biodiversity adds another dimension to the partnership," said Tanya Saadé Zeenny, Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group.