The European Commission has cleared a 50/50 LNG bunkering logistics joint venture between CMA CGM and TotalEnergies under the EU Merger Regulation. Evaluated through a simplified review, the regulators found no competition issues due to the venture’s limited footprint and the companies’ combined market positions. The partnership will develop and operate an integrated LNG bunker supply solution centered at the port of Rotterdam, serving CMA CGM and third-party vessels across the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region.
Brussels | August 21, 2026 – The European Commission has officially approved the 50/50 liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering logistics joint venture between French energy major TotalEnergies and shipping giant CMA CGM. Clearing the venture under the EU Merger Regulation via a simplified review procedure, regulators confirmed it raises no competition concerns due to the companies’ limited combined footprint and negligible existing activities within the European Economic Area.
The clearance marks the final regulatory milestone for an alliance originally unveiled in July 2025, cementing a multi-decade partnership aimed at aggressively scaling up alternative marine fuel infrastructure in Europe.
Project Scope and Infrastructure Rollout
The joint venture establishes a comprehensive, integrated LNG bunker supply chain centered in the port of Rotterdam, serving the high-traffic Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region. Key elements of the operational plan include:
- New Bunker Vessel: A state-of-the-art 20,000 cubic-meter LNG bunker vessel will be deployed and jointly operated in Rotterdam by late 2028.
- Network Synergies: The new vessel will integrate with TotalEnergies’ existing infrastructure in the ARA hub, including the 18,600 m³ Gas Agility operational since 2020, to maximize delivery flexibility.
- Terminal Access: Guaranteed logistics access through Europe’s Gate terminal facilities for reloading and supply.
- Broad Market Reach: Providing ship-to-ship and shore-to-ship bunkering services not only for CMA CGM’s expanding fleet but also for third-party commercial shipping lines.
Long-Term Supply Agreement and Decarbonization Milestones
To support CMA CGM’s trajectory toward Net Zero Carbon by 2050, the partnership is underpinned by a massive long-term fuel contract. From 2028 through 2040, TotalEnergies will supply CMA CGM with up to 360,000 tons of LNG annually. This fuel will feed CMA CGM’s growing dual-fuel LNG-powered fleet, projected to reach 123 vessels by 2029.
The initiative builds on a long history of cooperation between the two French industry leaders, which spans major supply agreements and historical bunkering milestones in Rotterdam, Marseille-Fos, and Dunkirk dating back to 2017.
Environmental and Strategic Context
As a transitional marine fuel, LNG cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20% compared to conventional marine gasoil, while nearly eliminating sulfur oxides (SOx) and fine particulate matter, and reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 85%. Furthermore, the infrastructure being built today is fully compatible with future drops of bio-LNG and synthetic e-methane, positioning the joint venture as a cornerstone for long-term maritime decarbonization in Europe.
About the CMA CGM Group
The CMA CGM Group is a global player in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, true to 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 global headquarters is located. As the world’s third-largest shipping company, CMA CGM serves more than 420 ports across five continents with a fleet of over 650 vessels. In 2024, the company carried over 23 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).
Key subsidiaries and divisions include:
- CEVA Logistics: One of the world’s top five logistics players, operating 1,000 warehouses and handling 15 million shipments in 2024.
- CMA CGM AIR CARGO: The Group’s specialized air freight division, operating a dedicated cargo fleet.
- CMA Media: France’s third-largest private media group, encompassing RMC-BFM and notable press titles such as La Tribune, La Tribune Dimanche, La Provence, and Corse Matin.
Deeply committed to the energy transition, the CMA CGM Group is targeting Net Zero Carbon by 2050. Additionally, the CMA CGM Foundation provides crisis humanitarian aid and champions global education initiatives and equal opportunities, having transported 63,000 tons of relief supplies to 97 countries and supported over 550 educational projects to date.
About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets multiple forms of energy: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas, low-carbon hydrogen, renewables, and electricity. Its workforce of more than 100,000 employees is committed to providing energy that is increasingly reliable, affordable, and sustainable for as many people as possible. Active in approximately 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the core of its strategy, projects, and daily operations.
Source: EC | TotalEnergies | CMA CGM