MSC and Shell in long term decarbonisation collaboration for shipping

The long-term Memorandum of Understand (MoU) builds on 10 years of working together including bunkering biofuels and trialling very and ultra-low sulphur fuels.

The two parties will explore a range of solutions ranging from the near term of exploring opportunities to use LNG in MSC’s fleet, and potential progressing to synthetic or bioLNG through to methanol and hydrogen derived fuels.

“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,” said Bud Darr, EVP Maritime Policy and Government Affairs, MSC Group.

“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.”

The two company’s technical teams will also explore fuel cells with the ambition of contributing towards a zero-carbon flexi-fuel concept vessel.

Melissa Williams, President, Shell Marine, said: “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.”

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