CMA CGM charts course for greener seas in West Africa

The CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, is charting a greener future with its unwavering commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

This commitment manifests in the recent arrival of the CMA CGM SCANDOLA, the first LNG-powered containership to call a port in Nigeria, docking at the Lekki deep seaport.

The group in a statement said it has invested nearly $15 billion in decarbonizing its fleet. Currently operating 35 dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels, CMA CGM said it aims to have nearly 120 such ships capable of utilizing decarbonized fuels like BioLNG and e-methane by 2028.

These cleaner fuels offer considerable environmental benefits, reducing sulfur emissions by up to 99%, nitrogen oxide emissions by 92%, and particulate matter by 91% compared to traditional fuels.

Understanding the need for broader collaboration, CMA CGM has established strategic partnerships to diversify its fuel sources and accelerate decarbonization across all transportation and logistics activities.

The creation of the PULSE, CMA CGM Energy Fund in 2022, with a $1.5 billion budget over five years to accelerate the decorbonization of all the sea, land, air transportation and logistics activities worldwide exemplifies this commitment to innovation and collective action. In 2023 alone, the Group successfully reduced its CO2 emissions by an impressive 1 million tons.

The arrival of the CMA CGM SCANDOLA in Nigeria underscores the Group’s dedication to supporting West Africa’s economic development.

Head of CMA CGM Africa, Stéphane Courquin, said, “The deployment of this new generation vessel on our WAX service from Asia to West Africa and from West Africa to Asia marks a new stage in our partnership with our customers, local authorities and partners. We are determined to continue to support the immense potential of African logistics, paving the way for a dynamic and growing economy and proud to initiate the energy transition.”

With a presence in Nigeria for over 17 years, CMA CGM employs over 90 staff members across four offices and offers six mainline services calling at Lekki Freeport terminal, as well as the port of Onne, Apapa and Tin can connecting the region to major global destinations.

The group also support Nigerian exporters by providing ship consignment and transport services for key commodities such as cocoa, cashew nuts, cotton rubber and fruits.