The MOU, signed in Doha on Monday, will bring together the three parties to explore the development of new markets for LNG as marine fuel, contributing to reducing environmental footprint of merchant shipping which currently relies predominantly on high-sulphur heavy fuel oils.
The collaboration envisages LNG supplies to be made available from Qatargas 4, a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Shell Gas BV, with Maersk Line potentially using the fuel for its merchant ships.
Nils Andersen, Maersk Group ceo, said: “This cooperation between Qatargas, Maersk Group and Shell represents an important step in developing LNG as a viable fuel for maritime transportation. The possible use of LNG as fuel for ships presents an opportunity to reduce both SOx emissions and in reducing the transport sectors CO2 footprint.”
Michiel Kool, managing director and chairman of Qatar Shell Companies, said: “LNG fuel is a new alternative for ship and vessel operators responding to stricter emission control standards. Shell has been a pioneer in this area with our investments in LNG for transport infrastructure in Europe and the US.”
Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Qatargas ceo, said the company has recently proved the use of LNG as a marine fuel in the converted diesel engines of its time-chartered vessel Rasheeda, now fitted with an M-Type Electronically Controlled – Gas Injection System.
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