Qatargas, Maersk Group and Shell to pioneer LNG fuel in the Middle East

Qatargas, the Maersk Group and Shell have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop the use of LNG bunkers in the Middle East, particularly as fuel for the Danish group’s containerships.

The joint partnership will explore the development of new markets for LNG as a marine fuel for merchant ships “before the end of the current decade”, the companies said.

Maersk Line vessels would potentially use LNG marine fuel supplied by Qatargas 4, a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Shell Gas.

The MOU was signed at a ceremony attended by Nils S. Andersen, CEO of the Maersk Group; Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, chairman of Qatargas’ board of directors; Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Qatargas’ CEO and Danny Leek, general manager of Shell International Trading Middle East (pictured L-R).

“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 foot print,” said Nils S. Andersen.

“We have recently celebrated a global first by proving the use of LNG as a reliable marine fuel in the converted diesel engines of our timechartered vessel MV Rasheeda, now fitted with an M-Type electronically controlled gas injection jystem. The signing of this MOU is an important milestone in this journey,” added Qatargas’ Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani.