Named CMA CGM Electra, the barge was unveiled at Gemalink Port in Tan Phuoc ward, Ho Chi Minh City. It measures nearly 80 meters long, has a deadweight capacity of 3,500 tons, and can carry 182 TEUs.

The vessel will operate a 180-km round trip linking Nike’s cargo consolidation hub in the former Binh Duong province (now part of HCMC) with Gemalink, part of the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port complex.

Powered by CATL battery technology, the barge can be charged in about four hours. Dedicated charging infrastructure at Gemalink uses certified renewable electricity generated by a solar power system installed at the port.

CMA CGM said the barge can transport more than 50,000 TEUs annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 778 tons a year.

The company will initially assess and optimize the vessel’s operational performance before exploring opportunities to replicate the model in Vietnam and other markets with suitable conditions.

“Vietnam is a key manufacturing and logistics hub in Asia, with significant cargo flows between inland production centers and deep-sea ports. Its extensive inland waterway network presents opportunities to develop more sustainable transportation solutions,” said Bo Wegener, chief executive officer of CMA CGM Asia Pacific.

CMA CGM has operated in Vietnam since 1989. It currently runs 29 weekly shipping services connecting seven Vietnamese ports to its international network.