CMA CGM and Nike, together with Gemadept, have officially launched a completely new electric barge solution in Vietnam aimed at reducing the carbon footprint in domestic transportation and assisting Nike's efforts to cut carbon in its supply chain.
Details of the Electric Barge Project
This 100% electric barge connects Nike's domestic delivery location in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Binh Duong Province) with Gemadept's deep-sea terminal Gemalink in Cai Mep, on a 180-kilometer journey. The barge operates on electric batteries and is charged with renewable electricity, expected to eliminate around 778 tons of CO₂ from the transportation cycle annually. This integrated solution includes the electric barge, dedicated charging infrastructure, and renewable energy generation through a solar farm at Gemalink.
Impact on Sustainable Transportation
This barge is capable of carrying over 50,000 TEU per year and acts as a lower-carbon option for domestic transportation, especially compared to road transport. This project demonstrates the potential of inland waterways to provide more sustainable options for transporting goods and improving the environmental performance of the supply chain.
This launch is a significant step in the collaboration between CMA CGM, Nike, and Gemadept to develop more sustainable logistics solutions in Vietnam. Relying on CMA CGM's commitment to reducing carbon in transportation and logistics and combining the expertise of Nike and Gemadept, the three partners are working together to develop a lower-carbon waterway transportation solution in Vietnam.
The electric barge has been designed by CMA CGM's new development and research and development teams and utilizes battery technology from CATL. The barge is charged in about four hours using supplied renewable electricity. Its dedicated charging infrastructure at Gemalink is powered by a solar farm developed at the terminal, combining a solution that integrates low-emission transportation with renewable energy generation.
This project is designed as a model that can be easily replicated in other regions and adapted to the supply chains of other customers, supporting a broader transition towards more sustainable domestic transportation.
Christian Cabau, Executive Vice President of Assets and Operations at CMA CGM, stated: "Reducing carbon in global supply chains requires going beyond aspirations and delivering scalable solutions. This electric barge is a strong example of what can be achieved when shipping companies, customers, and terminal operators combine their expertise and commitment."
Simaron Nix, Chief Sustainability Officer at Nike, also said: "Reducing emissions in the global supply chain requires collaboration and innovative ideas. This project with CMA CGM and Gemadept is a great example of how to turn innovation into practical solutions that reduce our impact and create a more resilient supply chain."
Do Kang Khan, Deputy CEO of Gemadept and Head of the Gemalink Deep-Sea Port, said: "As a leading port and logistics operator in Vietnam, Gemadept believes that the future of sustainable logistics depends on stronger connections between ports, inland waterways, and clean energy. This electric barge with CMA CGM and Nike is an important step in realizing that vision."
This project contributes to the development of more sustainable domestic transportation solutions in Vietnam while supporting the country's growing renewable energy and logistics capabilities.
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