Joining global shipping giants like NYK and CMA CGM,
number-two ocean carrier MSC has recently joined the Hydrogen Council. MSC
joined as a steering member, vowing to accelerate R&D on clean
hydrogen-derived fuels.
Other big names that are already part of the leading
hydrogen research council are the Port of Rotterdam and industrial behemoths
like SABIC, Anglo American and Uniper.
MSC has been a leader in the decarbonization process, which
has already seen the Geneva-based company pioneer the use of biofuel as a
blended marine fuel. Now, MSC is working with other leading companies and
institutions in advancing the research viability of hydrogen and fuels derived
from it as potentially realizable fuel for the container shipping industry.
“MSC is actively engaging with a wide range of stakeholders
to accelerate the development of clean hydrogen fuels for shipping. The future
of shipping and decarbonization will rely on strong partnerships from both the
perspective of technology collaboration and procurement," said Bud Darr,
Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy & Government Affairs, MSC Group.
He went on to add, "Initiatives such as the Hydrogen
Council provide just the right platform to accelerate R&D, as well as to
facilitate cross-industry collaboration,” stressing the need that R&D
efforts require huge energy and capital resources to sustain in the long run.
To sustain R&D in fields like these, industry
partnerships are critical for the sustainability of the container shipping
industry and the shipping industry at large.