Ceva Logistics to offer maritime transport for end-of-life batteries

Ceva Logistics has launched a new service designed to transport used batteries from island regions to the European mainland. The service will initially be available this month on CMA CGM’s shipping routes. This alignment is strategic, as Ceva Logistics is part of the CMA CGM Group. The solution is based on five specially adapted containers with a combined total capacity of 30 tonnes.

This new offering enables Ceva to transport all types of used lithium-ion batteries, regardless of their condition. The end-of-life batteries are placed in safety containers, which are then loaded into larger, custom-developed shipping containers.

“Each shipping container can hold four vaults, for a transport capacity of up to six tons each,” the company’s headquarters in Marseille states. “This custom solution aims to neutralise any risks associated with the potential instability of used lithium-ion batteries during transit.”

Ceva Logistics views this maritime transport solution as a further step towards establishing a circular value chain for end-of-life batteries. Internally, the company already manages the collection, handling, transport, interim storage, diagnosis, and dismantling of batteries at one of its battery logistics centres. With this new service, Ceva is expanding its transport options to include maritime routes.

“Lithium-ion battery recycling is a key issue for Europe, and we are committed to making the battery sector more circular,” said Eric Dessupoiu, VP Finished Vehicle Logistics, CEVA Logistics. “We’ve leveraged our expertise as a logistics provider in the automotive sector with the launch of CEVA’s Reverse Logistics solution in 2025, and now we’re strengthening the offering with a dedicated maritime transport solution to support the disposition and transport of batteries for recycling purposes.”

Meanwhile, the reverse logistics solution mentioned earlier requires multi-million-euro investments from Ceva Logistics. At the heart of the system are the battery logistics centres, which are designed for the storage, assessment, and dismantling of end-of-life batteries. According to last year’s announcement, up to 15 such logistics centres are planned across ten European countries, including Germany.

The logistics provider positions itself as a key player in the reverse logistics of used electric vehicle batteries.

“The network is being deployed across Europe, before the transfer of batteries to a recycling or second-life centre,” the company stated. Ceva organises the collection of batteries from car dealerships, vehicle traders, and end-of-life vehicle centres using its ADR-compliant transport capacities.

At its battery logistics centres, Ceva analyses the condition of the batteries to determine whether they should be dismantled or refurbished. After controlled interim storage, the company delivers the modules and waste to recycling centres or second-life facilities.

The company added: “CEVA now offers an expanded reverse logistics service for batteries, including the collection, handling, transport (by sea and/or road), temporary storage, diagnosis, and dismantling in one of its Battery Logistics Centers.”

Other logistics providers are also preparing for the growing transport volumes of end-of-life EV batteries. For instance, DHL opened its first Centre of Excellence for Electromobility on the European mainland in 2024 in Pozzuolo Martesana (near Milan). Another site is located in the UK, while DHL’s focus has already shifted to Asia.

cevalogistics.com