Lyon, February 8 – CMA CGM, a global leader in shipping, has announced a major investment and an ambitious project for the Rhône river, aiming to revolutionize freight transport between Marseille and Lyon. The centerpiece of this initiative is the introduction of an electric fluvial barge, capable of carrying up to 156 containers, set to launch in 2028.
CMA CGM’s Vision: Doubling Volumes on the Marseille-Lyon Axis
The project, spearheaded by billionaire Rodolphe Saadé, chairman of CMA CGM, seeks to significantly boost fluvial freight transport in France and reduce the number of trucks on the roads. It will also improve connectivity between Marseille and its inland catchment area. The initiative is supported by the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR), which will establish dedicated charging stations along the Rhône.
CMA CGM secured a 30-year sub-concession to operate the Lyon-Rhône fluvial terminal in December 2024. The 185-meter-long hybrid barge, costing approximately 20 million euros, will be able to replace an equivalent number of trucks. By 2030, the company aims to double its “multimodal” volumes on the Marseille-Lyon axis, targeting 100,000 standard containers via fluvial transport and 60,000 by rail, thereby reducing reliance on road transport.
A Major Investment for Édouard Herriot Port
In April 2025, CMA CGM, the leading French container shipping company and third globally, took over the management of Édouard Herriot Port in Lyon. This was a joint venture with the CCI Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne, Aix-Marseille, and Banque des Territoires. Together, they plan to invest 40 million euros to modernize the port’s infrastructure, aiming to accelerate the frequency and volume of goods transiting through it.
Currently, on the Mediterranean-Rhône-Saône (MeRS) fluvial axis, 80% of goods are still transported by road, 15% by rail, and only 5% by river. Along the 330 navigable kilometers between Marseille and Lyon, barges primarily transport bulk goods such as sand, salt, and cereals, with an average of only 70,000 containers annually.
Decarbonization and Sustainable Transport Goals
This substantial investment underscores CMA CGM’s commitment to decarbonizing its operations and promoting more sustainable transport solutions. The electric barge project is a key step towards achieving these environmental objectives, offering a greener alternative to traditional road freight.
The development of electric fluvial transport is expected to have a positive impact on air quality and traffic congestion in the region, aligning with broader efforts to promote ecological transitions in logistics and supply chains.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The project is anticipated to create new employment opportunities in the logistics sector and enhance the economic vitality of the Rhône corridor. By leveraging the existing fluvial network, CMA CGM aims to establish a more efficient and environmentally friendly supply chain between two of France’s most important economic hubs.
The modernization of Édouard Herriot Port will also improve its capacity to handle larger volumes of goods, making it a crucial multimodal platform for the region. This strategic development positions Lyon as a key player in sustainable freight logistics in Europe.
Future Outlook for Multimodal Transport
CMA CGM’s ambitious targets for doubling multimodal volumes by 2030 highlight a growing trend towards integrating different modes of transport to optimize efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The success of this project could serve as a model for other regions looking to develop sustainable freight solutions.
The collaboration between CMA CGM, local authorities, and national institutions like CNR demonstrates a concerted effort to address the challenges of modern logistics while prioritizing environmental protection and economic development.
The announcement of this project comes at a time when there is increasing pressure on industries to adopt greener practices. CMA CGM’s investment in electric fluvial transport is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the shipping and logistics sectors.
The company’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility is evident in this large-scale project, which promises to transform freight transport on the Rhône and set new standards for multimodal logistics.
Source: actu.fr
