CMA CGM chief sets 2050 deadline for carbon neutrality

The pandemic has provided an opportunity to focus on future globalisation models. CMA CGM believes those must include sustainable development goals

CMA CGM chief executive Rodolphe Saadé has set an objective for the container line to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Mr Saadé said that the coronavirus pandemic had highlighted some of the weaknesses of the current business and development climate.

“The crisis has enhanced our collective responsibility to transform our development models,” he said during a webinar on sustainable ocean business hosted by the UN Global Compact.

“During the pandemic, transport and logistics played a key role in the transport of essential supplies. Today we are presented with a unique opportunity to reshape the national economic exchanges.”

This meant that the “new globalisation” must support sustainable development goals, said Mr Saadé.

“It is our responsibility all together to define new shipping and logistics systems while continuing to strive for the globalisation we want to witness tomorrow.”

CMA CGM had already taken significant steps towards reducing its environmental impact, he said.

“With a 48% reduction in CO2 emissions per container per kilometre since 2008 we have exceeded, 10 years ahead of schedule, the IMO’s target of a 40% reduction by 2030. Last year we reduced our total CO2 emissions by 6%.”

In the coming weeks, a further milestone would be reached with the delivery of the first of the carrier’s 23,000 teu LNG fuelled containerships, which would reduce C02 emissions by 15%-20% and suppress almost all sulphur and fine particle emissions.

“This is a major event that symbolises the path we are taking in terms of energy transition using the most advanced eco-friendly technology available today,” Mr Saadé said. “But we must move forward and I am pleased to announce that our energy supplies will include 10% alternative fuels by 2023, and our 2050 objective is to be carbon neutral.”