ENGIE and CMA CGM partner for biomethane production in Le Havre

French companies ENGIE and CMA CGM have signed a framework agreement to develop a biomethane production facility in the Le Havre industrial and port area. Scheduled to begin operations by 2029, the facility will be led by ENGIE, which will manage technical design, permitting, construction, and operation.

The project aims to supply 7,000 tons (approximately 100 GWh) of biomethane annually to CMA CGM’s fleet. This renewable fuel is expected to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 67% and could prevent an estimated 23,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year. The biomethane can be used by CMA CGM’s LNG-powered vessels without requiring engine or infrastructure modifications.

To produce the gas, the facility will convert agricultural residues, livestock waste, and household biowaste into biomethane. The process will also generate digestates, which can be utilized as natural fertilizer by local farmers. The biomethane will be supplied to the fleet via the European gas grid through a certified mass-balance system.