The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the largest container line in the world, has joined SEA-LNG, an organization that promotes the use of LNG as fuel.

In recent years, MSC has made investments in LNG-fuelled vessels in the different sectors it operates.

In 2022 MSC saw its first five newbuilding dual-fuel LNG capable container vessels in operation.

"SEA-LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition established to demonstrate the benefits of the LNG pathway as a route to shipping's decarbonisation, today welcomes MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world-leading shipping company, as its latest member," the announcement said.

MSC noted that it is committed to maintaining a modern fleet that will advance progress towards net zero decarbonisation by replacing conventional fuel vessels with dual-fuel capable vessels in the short term, including those fuelled by LNG.

Bud Darr, executive vice president, Maritime Policy & Government Affairs MSC Group, said the company is committed to catalyzing the development, accessibility and uptake of net zero fuels.

"We look forward to working with SEA-LNG to further assess and collaborate on the exciting long-term prospects of bio-LNG, and particularly renewable synthetic LNG, as mainstream marine fuel molecules," Barr said.

"In alignment with our net zero commitments by 2050, we view fossil-based LNG as a fuel in transition, and fully expect bio and renewable synthetic LNG to be a key part of our longer-term multi-fuel strategy for deploying net zero fuels," he added.

Other alternative fuels eyed

As the world's largest ocean carrier, MSC noted that it continues to focus on improving energy efficiency and is taking actions today to properly support meeting its target of complete net decarbonization by 2050.

"MSC is actively exploring a range of alternative fuels and propulsion solutions that will help the business move even closer towards net zero, and the vessel operator sees cross-industry collaboration as crucial to scaling these solutions for the maritime industry," the announcement said.

It added that MSC expects to operate its vessels on a range of fuel options in the future, particularly looking at those that might become available at scale within a small number of years.

MSC is also an active partner and member of the Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) and the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF).

"As one of the world's leading shipping companies, MSC's decision to work with our coalition of companies across the LNG value chain demonstrates its confidence in the LNG pathway as a viable solution for flexibly advancing shipping along its decarbonisation journey," said Peter Keller, chairman of SEA-LNG.

Keller further emphasized the advantages of LNG, noting that LNG is available at scale for deep-sea shipping today.

"Existing LNG infrastructure can accommodate bio-LNG and renewable synthetic LNG as they become increasingly accessible, lowering investment barriers. Waiting is not an option; the LNG pathway offers immediate decarbonisation benefits and a route to net-zero shipping," the chief of the SEA-LNG coalition said.