Global logistics giant CMA CGM is taking a bold step in Southeast Asia with the launch of Vietnam’s first fully electric container barge, setting a new standard for inland waterway decarbonization in the region. In partnership with local logistics operator Gemadept, the initiative is more than a green experiment—it’s a functional logistics solution backed by infrastructure and a major commercial partner.
The new electric barge will operate between Binh Duong Province and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu, covering a 180-kilometer stretch along the Mekong Delta. The project isn’t just about clean transport; it comes with the installation of a dedicated solar-powered charging station at the Gemalink terminal at Cai Mep, expected to generate 1 GWh of renewable electricity annually. The combined setup will help cut 778 tons of CO₂ emissions each year on this route.
What makes this even more significant is that NIKE has already signed on as the first user of the service. Their supply chain from local manufacturing sites to the port will now operate without emissions via the electric barge. This shows clear traction in the logistics sector for clean, scalable inland waterway solutions—especially in countries where rivers are vital trade arteries.
A new joint venture, Green River Transportation, has been formed by CMA CGM and Gemadept to oversee the operations of the barge. This partnership underlines a long-standing relationship and shared commitment to sustainable logistics practices. The barge itself is the result of collaborative design efforts between CMA CGM’s R&D and ship engineering teams, with construction underway to meet the 2026 operational start date.
NIKE’s participation sends a clear message to other multinationals with regional operations: emissions-free shipping is not only feasible but already underway. While some companies continue to assess decarbonization strategies, this project represents a tangible shift from theory to practice.
For CMA CGM, present in Vietnam since 1989 with over 550 staff and 29 maritime services, this development reinforces its regional footprint while supporting long-term sustainability goals. The company has made it clear this is not a one-off. The electric barge and solar charging model is designed for replication in other markets with similar inland waterway networks.
With a corporate goal to reach Net Zero Carbon by 2050, CMA CGM is building momentum by investing in alternative fuels, hybrid ships, and now zero-emission inland logistics. This layered approach reflects a practical strategy rather than just a marketing claim, showing how decarbonization is being embedded in logistics from port to final mile.
