TotalEnergies and CMA CGM launch JV for LNG bunkering in Rotterdam
TotalEnergies and CMA CGM have entered an agreement to form a logistics joint venture focused on liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
This 50:50 JV aims to develop and operate a new 20,000m3 LNG bunker vessel in Rotterdam by the end of 2028.
The joint venture will offer a range of logistics services to vessels operating in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region, including CMA CGM’s fleet and other shipping operators
These services will encompass reload access at Gate terminal facilities and LNG bunker delivery.
The JV will leverage TotalEnergies’ existing infrastructure in the ARA region, including the 18,600m3 LNG bunker vessel Gas Agility, to offer comprehensive logistics services.
The partnership is set to create synergies by integrating the JV’s future LNG bunker vessel with the Gas Agility, thereby increasing delivery flexibility and operational efficiency.
CMA CGM Group chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé said: “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 decarbonisation of global trade.”
TotalEnergies will also supply CMA CGM with up to 360,000 tonnes (t) of LNG annually from 2028 until 2040, supporting CMA CGM’s ambition to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050 and catering to its growing fleet of dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels, which are expected to reach 123 by 2029.
TotalEnergies chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné said: “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.”
The establishment of the LNG bunkering joint venture is pending regulatory approvals.
Additionally, CMA CGM had partnered with ABB in March to enhance maritime safety through a new parametric roll algorithm.
This development, integrated with ABB Ability OCTOPUS Marine Advisory system, combines CMA CGM’s theoretical framework with advanced forecasting and monitoring of vessel motion behaviour.
