CMA CGM orders electric inland barge from Chinese shipyard for Nike goods

CMA CGM is moving forward with its plans to build and deploy for operation a brand-new zero emissions inland transport solution in Vietnam after recently signing an order contract for a 182 TEU electric container ship from China’s Shan Dong New Energy Shipbuilding. 

Shan Dong New Energy Shipbuilding said the new vessel is expected to be used in CMA CGM’s projects in Vietnam, following the company’s announcement in December last year that it would deploy a new zero-emission inland transport solution in Vietnam – a 100% green electricity barge coupled with dedicated charging infrastructures supplied by a new solar farm at Gemalink terminal in Cai Mep, in which CMA CGM holds a 25% stake.

The new vessel is expected to start operating from 2026, and Nike has committed to using the barge to transport its products between Binh Duong Province and the Gemalink terminal.

From Binh Duong Province to the deep-sea terminal of Gemalink, the e-barge will make the 180km return journey emitting zero greenhouse gas emissions, enabling to reduce by 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% certified renewable electricity and will transport over 50 000TEUs annually.

Xavier Leclercq, Vice President, Newbuilding, CMA CGM, said the cooperation is an important step for CMA CGM to promote the construction of a green inland river fleet in the Asian market.

Related: CMA CGM to develop fully-electric barge to serve inland waterways in Vietnam

Photo credit: Shan Dong New Energy Shipbuilding
Published: 6 March, 2025