CMA CGM has launched Vietnam’s first fully electric container barge in partnership with Nike and Gemadept, creating a zero-emission inland logistics corridor powered by solar energy. The project is expected to cut 778 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually and supports CMA CGM’s goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
Marseille | May 28, 2026 – The CMA CGM Group has launched Vietnam’s first fully electric container barge, marking a major milestone in the decarbonization of inland waterway logistics in Southeast Asia. Developed in partnership with global sportswear giant Nike and Vietnamese logistics operator Gemadept, the project combines electric vessel technology with renewable energy infrastructure to create a zero-emission transport solution in one of Asia’s most important manufacturing hubs.
The initiative represents a significant expansion of CMA CGM’s sustainability strategy beyond ocean shipping and into inland logistics, supporting the Group’s long-term ambition of achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050.
First Zero-Emission River Logistics Solution in Vietnam
At the center of the project is a fully electric container barge designed to operate on the 180-kilometer inland waterway route connecting manufacturing centers in Binh Duong Province with the Gemalink deep-sea terminal at Cai Mep, near Ho Chi Minh City.
The vessel will be powered through a dedicated charging station supplied by a newly developed solar farm located at the Gemalink terminal. According to CMA CGM, the renewable energy facility will generate up to 1 GWh of green electricity annually, providing the power required for regular barge operations.
The integrated solution is expected to eliminate approximately 778 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year compared with conventional river transport methods. By combining renewable power generation, battery-electric propulsion and dedicated charging infrastructure, the project establishes one of the region’s first fully integrated zero-emission inland logistics corridors.
Joint Venture Established with Gemadept
To support the operation of the new service, CMA CGM and Gemadept have established a joint venture named Green River Transportation. The new company will manage electric barge operations throughout the Mekong Delta and surrounding logistics corridors, strengthening both partners’ commitment to sustainable supply chain solutions in Vietnam.
Gemadept is one of Vietnam’s leading logistics and port operators and a long-standing CMA CGM partner. The collaboration is expected to leverage the expertise of both companies in maritime transportation, port operations and inland logistics.
The electric barge itself was developed jointly by CMA Ships and CMA CGM’s research and development teams, reflecting the company’s increasing investment in alternative propulsion technologies across multiple transport segments.
Nike Becomes First Customer for Electric Barge Service
Nike has become the first customer to adopt the electric inland shipping solution, utilizing the service to transport cargo between its manufacturing facilities in Vietnam and the Gemalink container terminal.
As one of the world’s largest sourcing and manufacturing locations for footwear and apparel, Vietnam plays a critical role in Nike’s global supply chain. The adoption of electric barge transportation forms part of broader efforts by multinational corporations to reduce logistics-related emissions throughout their supply chains.
CMA CGM said the project demonstrates how shipping and logistics providers can work directly with cargo owners to implement practical decarbonization solutions without compromising operational efficiency. The electric barge is scheduled to enter commercial service in early 2026.
Model for Future Green Logistics Networks
While initially developed for Nike’s cargo flows, CMA CGM views the project as a blueprint that can be replicated with additional customers and expanded into other markets where inland waterways serve as critical transport corridors.
Many emerging economies in Southeast Asia, South America and Africa rely heavily on river transportation for cargo movements, creating opportunities for similar electrification projects that reduce emissions while maintaining supply chain reliability.
Industry analysts increasingly view inland shipping electrification as an important component of broader maritime decarbonization strategies, particularly in regions where renewable energy resources can support charging infrastructure.
Strengthening CMA CGM’s Presence in Vietnam
The project also underscores CMA CGM’s long-standing commitment to Vietnam, where the company has operated since 1989.
CMA CGM maintains five offices across the country, operates 29 weekly maritime services and employs more than 550 people locally. Vietnam has become one of the Group’s most strategically important markets, serving as a major manufacturing and export hub for global supply chains.
The investment in electric river transportation aligns with the company’s objective of supporting sustainable infrastructure development while contributing to economic growth and job creation in the region.
Advancing the Net Zero Carbon Strategy
The launch of Vietnam’s first fully electric container barge represents another step in CMA CGM’s broader decarbonization roadmap, which includes investments in LNG, biomethane, methanol and other low-carbon fuels, as well as alternative propulsion technologies and energy-efficiency solutions.
By extending its sustainability initiatives beyond ocean-going vessels and into inland logistics operations, CMA CGM is positioning itself as a leader in end-to-end low-carbon supply chain solutions.
As pressure grows across global trade networks to reduce emissions, projects such as the Vietnam electric barge initiative highlight the increasing role of integrated logistics solutions in supporting the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable freight transportation.
About CMA CGM
The CMA CGM Group is a global leader in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, guided by its corporate purpose: “We imagine better ways to serve a world in motion.”
Present in 177 countries, the Group employs 160,000 people, including nearly 6,000 in Marseille, where its headquarters are located. As the world’s third-largest container shipping company, CMA CGM serves more than 420 ports across five continents with a fleet of over 650 vessels, carrying more than 23 million TEUs in 2024.
Through subsidiaries such as CEVA Logistics, CMA CGM AIR CARGO, and CMA Media, the Group has built an integrated global platform spanning logistics, air freight, and media, while maintaining a strong commitment to energy transition, humanitarian aid, and education worldwide.
Source: CMA CGM