A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S and CMA CGM have joined forces in several areas to accelerate the decarbonization of the shipping industry in full compliance with all laws and regulations.
In a joint statement, the shipping giants noted that the joint action will help accelerate the green transition in shipping, learning from each other to go further and faster.
"CMA CGM and Maersk have set a net-zero target for their shipping business, have identified scalable solutions that can create impact in this decade, and have already individually taken ambitious paths on promoting decarbonization for shipping," the announcement said.
It noted that Maersk has been ordering vessels that can be operated on bio/e-methanol.
CMA CGM, on the other hand, has been ordering LNG-propelled vessels that can also be operated on bio/e-methane — the new green equivalent of current LNG and has also placed orders for vessels that can be operated on bio/e-methanol.
"While these two fuel streams appear now as the most mature among existing solutions, both companies expect the future fuel mix of shipping will include other streams that should be developed in the coming years," the statement said.
Tagged as an "ambitious collaboration," the partnership seeks to develop the future of fuels for the shipping industry.
Specifically, both shipping lines will work more together to develop the use of alternative greener fuels for container vessel propulsion, such as developing high standards for alternative sustainable, green fuels — including the analysis of full lifecycle and related greenhouse gasses — and helping to set the framework of mass production of green methane and green methanol.
The deal would also see CMA CGM and Maersk develop and maintain standards for the operation of green methanol vessels with regards to safety and bunkering, as well as accelerating port readiness for bunkering and supply of bio/e-methanol at key ports around the world.
The shipping giants will also continue to explore joint R&D on other components of the net zero solution as new alternative fuels, like ammonia, or innovation technology for our ships.
The announcement noted that both CMA CGM and Maersk will continue to push advocacy together for the energy transition of the industry.
Moreover, Maersk and CMA-CGM both agree on the fundamental role of regulation in securing the decarbonization of the sector.
Both companies warmly welcome the outcome of the recent Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization, during which the IMO's 2023 strategy for reducing GHG Emissions from Ships was adopted, with reinforced targets to tackle harmful emissions.
"Maersk and CMA CGM remain committed to jointly advocating for and encouraging IMO Member States to adopt ambitious measures in their pursuit of the highest attainable goals," the joint statement said.
It added that regional measures such as the EU Fit for 55 and the Inflation Reduction Act in the US are welcomed by both companies to help stimulate demand for green shipping solutions.
"CMA CGM and Maersk affirm their readiness to collaboratively engage with regulatory stakeholders in establishing a robust and sustainable international regulatory GHG framework and invite other international shipping lines who wish to join them in this cooperation with the regulatory institutions," the companies said.
CMA CGM and Maersk added that such a framework is, in both the companies' perspectives, are "prerequisite" to reducing carbon emissions for the shipping industry and securing a level-playing field for a global business environment.
"This partnership is a milestone for the decarbonization of our industry. By combining the know-how and expertise of two shipping leaders, we will accelerate the development of new solutions and technologies, enabling our industry to reach its CO2 reduction targets," said Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and chief executive officer of the CMA CGM Group.
"We are looking forward to being joined by other companies," he added.
Vincent Clerc, chief executive officer at A.P. Moller-Maersk, also enjoined collective action from the shipping industry to accelerate decarbonisation efforts.
"A.P. Moller - Maersk wants to accelerate the green transition in shipping and logistics, and to do so, we need strong involvement from partners across the industry," Clerc said.
"We are pleased to have an ally in CMA CGM, and it's a testament that when we united through determined efforts and partnerships, a tangible and optimistic path toward a sustainable future emerges," the Maersk chief added.