CMA CGM Partners with Vanguard Renewables to Advance Maritime Decarbonisation

Vanguard Renewables has entered into a commercial partnership with the CMA CGM Group to support the decarbonisation of shipping through renewable natural gas (RNG). The agreement includes a strategic minority investment in Vanguard by CMA CGM’s energy fund PULSE, ensuring long term access to RNG volumes for the shipping group.

The collaboration underscores the role of RNG in reducing emissions across maritime transport, as the sector moves to align with the International Maritime Organization’s net zero framework. The IMO’s draft regulations require shipowners to cut greenhouse gas emissions or face penalties if fuel intensity thresholds are exceeded.

Vanguard Renewables operates a network that diverts organic waste from landfills and converts it into RNG using anaerobic digesters powered by farm and food waste. As part of the agreement, Vanguard will dedicate up to four projects to CMA CGM, providing access to RNG with low carbon intensity from its large scale facilities in the United States.

The use of RNG is expected to complement LNG powered vessels, offering a pathway toward bio LNG as a transitional solution. Vanguard’s dual feedstock approach using both dairy and food waste is positioned to optimise greenhouse gas abatement costs for its customers. Michael O’Laughlin, CEO of Vanguard Renewables, said: “We are thrilled to partner with CMA CGM, the third largest container shipping company in the world, in support of their decarbonisation objectives. We see this pioneering collaboration as a key step in supporting the maritime sector as the global industry takes a bold step toward improving emissions. Vanguard Renewables’ unique business model provides a blueprint for a truly circular solution that offers significant benefits for GHG emission reduction and diverting organic waste from landfills. With a national footprint, backing by BlackRock, and a proven ability to scale to meet the increasing demand of RNG globally, Vanguard Renewables is committed to providing a reliable clean fuel source for years to come.”