CMA CGM is preparing to launch an electric inland barge on France’s Fos-Lyon corridor, with the goal of promoting a regular and reliable logistics solution between the Port of Marseille-Fos, Lyon, and the Rhône Valley. This initiative aims to accelerate a modal shift and relieve congestion on the A7 motorway.
By 2030, CMA CGM plans to double its multimodal volumes in Lyon, increasing inland waterway transport to 100,000 TEUs per year and rail transport to 60,000 TEUs per year. The barge is 185 meters long and has a capacity of 156 TEU.
Delivery is scheduled for 2028, with construction in Europe. Discussions are at an advanced stage with operator Combronde for the operation and commercial deployment of the service.
CMA CGM is also working closely with Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) on technical studies relating to charging stations in Lyon and Arles. The company has reached a major milestone in April 2025 with the award of the sub-concession of Lyon Rhône Terminal (LRT), a strategic multi-user, multimodal terminal on the MeRS corridor.
An investment of €40 million has been confirmed to modernize the terminal’s inland port facilities, with works to be launched as early as this year. CMA CGM's plans are part of its efforts to accelerate the development of the Fos–Lyon corridor, which was previously based on four weekly departures with a transit time of 36 hours.
The company has decided to commit alongside operator Combronde to two additional barges per week, increasing the service frequency and reducing travel times.
This electric inland barge service is a significant step towards decarbonizing logistics in France, aligning with CMA CGM's efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The increased service frequency and reduced transit time will also have a positive impact on the regional economy.
