CMA CGM launches first 100% electric river barge with NIKE in Vietnam

CMA CGM announced the launch of the first fully electric container barge in Vietnam, supported by the construction of a solar-powered charging station at the Cai Mep Port, the country’s main container gateway near Ho Chi Minh City.

"CMA CGM has signed an agreement with its long-standing partner Gemadept, a key logistics and port operator in Vietnam, to establish a joint venture named Green River Transportation, which will operate the electric barge. The new entity will manage river transport services in the Mekong Delta, reinforcing both partners’ commitment to sustainable logistics," says an official release from CMA CGM.

The electric barge was jointly designed by CMA CGM’s CMA Ships and R&D teams. It will be powered by a dedicated charging station connected to a new solar farm located on the Gemalink terminal at Cai Mep. The facility is expected to generate up to one GWh of green electricity per year. This new zero-emission solution will reduce CO₂ emissions by 778 tonnes per year on the 180 km route between Binh Duong Province and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu in southern Vietnam, the release added.

"With this combination of electric barge, solar farm and on-site charging station, CMA CGM is providing NIKE with a tailored, efficient, and emissions-free logistics solution."

The electric barge is scheduled to enter service in early 2026, the release added.