CMA CGM, Nike, and Gemadept have introduced the first fully electric inland vessel in Vietnam. The freighter operates between Ho Chi Minh City and the Gemalink deep-sea port in Cai Mep, covering a round trip of 160 to 180 kilometers. The vessel is designed to transport over 50,000 TEU annually, with one TEU representing a standard six-meter container.
The vessel utilizes battery technology supplied by the Chinese manufacturer CATL. A full battery charge takes approximately four hours. Charging is supported by a dedicated solar plant built at the Gemalink Terminal, which provides certified renewable energy for the infrastructure. The project is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by about 778 tonnes per year.
For Nike, this project aligns with a broader strategy to lower supply chain emissions. The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its extended supply chain by 35 percent by 2030, relative to the 2020 fiscal year. In fiscal year 2025, Nike reported a 56 percent reduction in freight emissions compared to 2020, driven by shifts away from air freight and the adoption of electric vehicles.
CMA CGM developed the vessel through its research and newbuild departments. The company views the fixed, predictable route between the transhipment hub and the deep-sea port as a potential model for future transport links. Partners are currently exploring the feasibility of applying this concept to other regions, though specific investment costs and technical details remain undisclosed.
