CMA CGM sustainability score: 22/100

CMA CGM reports Scope 1 emissions of 29.1 Mt CO₂e and Scope 2 of 0.2 Mt in 2024, following GHG Protocol methodology with external third-party audit. CDP A- score in 2023. However, this represents one of the largest corporate Scope 1 footprints globally—the absolute scale of physical impact is penalised via scale multiplier.

Scope 3 emissions reported at ~20 Mt CO₂e in 2024, with Upstream Transportation & Distribution at 54% of total Scope 3. However, Scope 3 increased 44% year-on-year and 163% since 2020. Scope 3 now accounts for 41% of total emissions, driven by complexity and scale of global supply chain.

Total absolute emissions rose from ~40 Mt CO₂e in 2023 to ~49 Mt CO₂e in 2024, a 22.5% increase. Scope 3 emissions increased 44% year-on-year and 163% since 2020. Historical targets are intensity-based (CO₂ per TEU-km), not absolute. For this very large emitter, absolute emissions are demonstrably worsening.

Fleet of 593 vessels powered overwhelmingly by marine fuel oil and LNG. Company is a pioneer in LNG-powered vessels and uses some second-generation biofuels, but these represent a tiny fraction of total consumption. No RE100 membership or significant renewable electricity procurement for shore-side operations. LNG remains a fossil fuel.

CMA CGM operates 593 vessels across global oceans with significant nature impact through ballast water discharge and invasive species risk. US EPA fined the company $165,000 in August 2023 for Clean Water Act violations—failed ballast water treatment on four vessels, systems out of calibration, reporting failures. Member of SRTi for ship recycling transparency; stopped transporting plastic waste to certain destinations in 2022.

CMA CGM has some resource policies including Hong Kong Convention ship recycling compliance, SRTi membership for transparency, and CEVA Logistics initiatives on reusable packaging. Stopped transporting plastic waste to destinations without sorting capacity in June 2022. No evidence of comprehensive circularity targets or measurable waste reduction metrics at scale.

As global shipping operator with 593 vessels, CMA CGM has significant water impact through ballast water, scrubber discharge, and marine pollutants. US EPA settlement (August 2023): $165,000 fine for Clean Water Act violations involving untreated ballast water discharge, failed treatment system calibration, and reporting failures across four vessels. No comprehensive water stewardship programme or quantified reduction targets.

CMA CGM targets -30% GHG by 2030 and -80% by 2040 from 2008 baseline, with net zero by 2050. Committed $15 billion to fleet decarbonisation. Targets are NOT SBTi validated—participated in sector pilot but not on Target Dashboard. Targets are intensity-based, not absolute. Company offers carbon offsets via ACT+ programme using Gold Standard/VCS credits.

CMA CGM publishes annual CSR Reports (2023, 2024 available), achieved CDP A- score in 2023, and has KPIs externally audited. French Vigilance Plan published. Board-level CSR governance aligned to SDGs. However, company is privately held, limiting external scrutiny. Board membership of World Shipping Council not disclosed in sustainability report.

EPA Clean Water Act settlement (August 2023): $165,000 fine for ballast water violations on four vessels. InfluenceMap identifies mixed lobbying: advocated for CCS fuel exemption from EU ETS, supported long-term LNG role, attempted to weaken Net Zero Industry Act. Board member of World Shipping Council, which actively opposed ambitious climate policy, not disclosed in sustainability report.