MSC and Shell working to decarbonize shipping

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Shell International Petroleum Company Limited (Shell) have agreed to work closely together to help accelerate the decarbonization of the global shipping sector.

The companies plan to develop a range of safe, sustainable and competitive technologies that can reduce emissions from existing assets and help shipping achieve net-zero emissions.

Shell and MSC have worked together over the last 10 years on projects, including bunkering biofuels and testing very- and ultra-low sulphur fuels.

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. The plan is to ultimately produce a zero-carbon flexi-fuel concept vessel. They will also work together on energy efficiency technologies, including digital services and platforms.

The partners continue to envisage a range of fuel solutions on the route to a net-zero future and are also exploring options such as hydrogen-derived fuels and the use of methanol as a marine fuel.

Both companies have been exploring the potential benefits of progressing from fossil-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) to bio-LNG or synthetic variants. Together, the partners will explore opportunities for MSC to use LNG in its fleet, as the lowest emissions fuel widely available today. They will also consider future solutions, including methane-slip abatement technologies, that will further bring down LNG’s emissions.

“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,” said Melissa Williams, president of Shell Marine.

“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.”

The partnership also offers an opportunity for Shell and MSC to work together to engage the industry and its stakeholders on policy issues to accelerate decarbonization in the sector.