According to Zhongjin's understanding, the world's largest container shipping operator, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), plans to introduce over 140 eco-friendly fuel container ships by 2029 to continue driving the green transformation of its fleet.

Diego Aponte, President of the MSC Group, revealed this plan in the latest sustainability report and elaborated on the company's decarbonization strategy. By the end of 2024, MSC had received 32 vessels equipped with LNG dual-fuel propulsion systems, designed to be retrofitted for LNG or ammonia fuel in the future. The company plans to add over 110 environmentally friendly vessels. It is expected that by 2029, with the delivery of over 140 new dual-fuel LNG ships, MSC's fleet size will further expand, with these new ships accounting for approximately 32% of the company's total capacity (measured in TEUs).

In terms of technological upgrades, MSC is actively promoting a multi-fuel conversion project for its vessels. The company is collaborating with institutions such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to conduct empirical trials of multi-fuel conversions for ships. As per the plan, MSC aims to complete the multi-fuel conversion of its two-stroke engines by 2026, allowing vessels to use LNG and ammonia fuels in addition to traditional fuels by adding a multi-fuel flexible injection platform and gas supply system. The company also plans to develop two-stroke low-speed diesel engine conversion technology for large vessels by next year, achieving integrated applications of multi-fuel injection platforms and gas supply systems.

MSC estimates that ships using LNG fuel can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 25% and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 70% compared to traditional vessels, and almost completely eliminate the phenomenon of "methane slip," the direct emission of unburned methane greenhouse gases.

Furthermore, MSC is also involved in the EU's "Ammonia 2-4 Project," jointly advancing the development of two-stroke and four-stroke marine engines primarily fueled by ammonia. Through various strategies such as the application of biofuels, feasibility studies on nuclear-powered container ships, and the combination of fuel cells and hydrogen fuel, MSC is comprehensively working towards achieving its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. Industry analysts believe that MSC's large-scale fleet renewal and multi-fuel technology layout demonstrate the shipping giant's proactive response to international environmental regulations, showcasing its determination to lead the industry's green transformation.