Chinese lithium-ion battery maker CATL and BelgiumFrench shipping company CMA CGM will set up a joint venture to explore the potential of creating an all-encompassing solution for greenhouse gas reduction, according to a statement published on Wednesday by CATL. The two companies said they will work closely on various topics related to achieving carbon neutrality, including the development of electric boats and commercial vehicles, as well as logistics and warehousing, without providing specifics. The move is the company’s latest effort to diversify its business beyond battery manufacturing for electric vehicles and to tap into the maritime and aviation transportation sectors. The world’s top battery supplier has been producing semi-solid state batteries to power both civil aircraft and EVs for the past several years. CATL chairman Robin Zeng, who traveled with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first state visit to Europe in five years, attended a signing ceremony on Tuesday in France. [CATL announcement, in Chinese]
