CMA CGM, Nike and Gemadept launch a zero-direct-emission electric barge in Vietnam, powered by renewable energy

CMA CGM, Nike and Gemadept have officially launched a new fully electric barge solution in Vietnam, designed to reduce the carbon footprint of inland transportation and contribute to Nike’s supply chain decarbonization efforts.

The 100% electric barge connects Nike’s inland drop-off location in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Binh Duong province) with Gemalink, Gemadept’s deep-sea terminal in Cai Mep, over a 180-kilometer round trip. Powered by electric batteries and recharged with certified renewable electricity, the barge is expected to avoid approximately 778 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. The integrated solution combines the electric barge, dedicated charging infrastructure and renewable energy production through a solar farm at Gemalink. The barge is designed to transport more than 50,000 TEUs annually, providing a lower-carbon alternative to road transportation for inland cargo movements. The project illustrates the potential of inland waterways to provide more sustainable alternatives for the transportation of goods while improving the environmental performance of supply chains.

The launch marks an important step in the collaboration between CMA CGM, Nike and Gemadept to develop more sustainable logistics solutions in Vietnam. Building on CMA CGM’s commitment to decarbonizing transport and logistics, and combining the expertise of Nike and Gemadept, the three partners are working together to develop a new, lower-carbon inland waterway transport solution in Vietnam.

Developed by CMA CGM’s New Build and R&D teams, the electric barge incorporates battery technology from CATL and can be recharged in approximately four hours using certified renewable electricity. Its dedicated charging infrastructure at Gemalink is supplied by a solar farm developed at the terminal, creating an integrated solution that combines low-emission transportation with renewable energy production.

The project is designed as a model that can potentially be replicated in other geographies and adapted to other customer supply chains, supporting the broader transition towards more sustainable inland transportation.

Christine Cabau, Executive Vice President Assets and Operations, CMA CGM declared: “Decarbonizing global supply chains requires moving beyond ambition to deliver concrete, scalable solutions. This fully electric barge is a powerful example of what can be achieved when shipping companies, customers and terminal operators combine their expertise and commitment. Together with Nike and Gemadept, we are demonstrating that innovative, lower-carbon inland transportation solutions are already within reach. Now, CMA CGM aims to build on this success to accelerate their deployment across other markets and supply chains.”

Cimarron Nix, Chief Sustainability Officer, NIKE, Inc. declared: “Reducing emissions across a global supply chain takes more than any one company. It takes new ideas, strong partnerships and a willingness to rethink how we operate,” This project with CMA CGM and Gemadept is a great example of how we can work together to turn innovation into practical solutions that reduce our impact while building a more resilient supply chain.”

Do Cong Khanh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Gemadept Corporation and Chairman of Gemalink Deep-Sea Port declared: “As a leading port and logistics operator in Vietnam, Gemadept believes that the future of sustainable logistics depends on stronger connections among ports, inland waterways and clean energy. The launch of this fully electric barge with CMA CGM and Nike marks an important milestone in bringing that vision to life. By integrating electric transport, dedicated charging infrastructure and renewable energy at Gemalink, the project demonstrates how partnership and innovation can turn sustainability ambitions into practical solutions. We believe this model has strong potential to be expanded and replicated, contributing to the long-term transition towards low-carbon logistics in Vietnam.”

Supporting Vietnam’s transition towards more sustainable logistics

The project contributes to the development of more sustainable inland transport solutions in Vietnam, while supporting the country’s growing renewable energy and logistics capabilities.

CMA CGM has been present in Vietnam since 2006 and operates five offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Haiphong, Danang and Quy Nhon, with more than 220 employees. The Group operates 29 weekly mainline services calling at seven ports across the country, connecting Vietnam to major global destinations and supporting its customers through an integrated intermodal network with CEVA Logistics.

The electric barge project further strengthens CMA CGM’s commitment to Vietnam and Southeast Asia and illustrates the Group’s ambition to work with customers and local partners to develop innovative solutions supporting the transition towards more sustainable logistics.