CMA CGM to introduce electric container barge on Vietnam's inland waters

French shipping company CMA CGM has unveiled plans for a fully electric container barge that will be operated along Vietnam's inland waters.

As part of this initiative, CMA CGM has entered into an agreement with Vietnam-based logistics and port operator Gemadept to establish a joint venture that will operate the electric barge.

The new entity, which will be named Green River Transportation, will manage river transport services in the Mekong Delta on behalf of both CMA CGM and Gemadept.

The electric barge was jointly designed by CMA CGM’s CMA Ships and research and development teams. It will be powered by a dedicated charging station connected to a new solar farm located on the Gemalink terminal at Cai Mep.

CMA CGM expects this solution will reduce CO₂ emissions by 778 tons per year on the 180-kilometre route between Binh Duong Province and Ba Ria-Vung Tau in southern Vietnam.

The electric barge is scheduled to enter service in early 2026.