MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Shell International Petroleum Company (Shell) have agreed to work closely together to help accelerate the decarbonisation of the global shipping sector.
In a statement, MSC said it has signed a “long-term memorandum of understanding” (MoU) with Shell which will see both parties play “enhanced roles” in the energy transformation of shipping, as developers and early adopters of innovative technologies and fuel solutions.
The companies plan to develop a range of safe, sustainable and competitive technologies that can reduce emissions from existing assets and help to enable a net-zero emissions future for shipping.
Bud Darr, EVP Maritime Policy and Government Affairs, MSC Group, said,“MSC’s efforts to decarbonise include strong partnerships with a range of companies across the industry.
“This partnership with Shell is a great example of the type of commitment that is needed to catalyse low-carbon solutions for the shipping sector.
“To reach that ultimate goal of complete decarbonisation, we must look at a set of solutions. We need significant advances in research and development and fuel development.
“MSC welcomes partnerships like this with Shell that are designed to facilitate cross-sector information sharing and prove how collaboration is key in defining the best pathway to a net-zero future.”
Melissa Williams, President, Shell Marine, also commented, “Shell wants to play a central role in the transition to net zero. Partnering with our customers to develop new technologies and fuels will help accelerate progress.
“Combining MSC’s experience as one of the world’s largest shipping companies with Shell’s expertise as a global energy supplier will help bring about effective solutions for this vital part of the world economy.”
MSC and Shell technical and commercial teams will collaborate to develop and deploy net-zero solutions such as zero-emission fuels of the future and the technologies that will enable them, including fuel cells, with the ambition of contributing towards a zero-carbon flexi-fuel concept vessel.
They will also work together on energy efficiency technologies, including digital services and platforms.
