Agreement brings together exhaust gas cleaning expertise and marine fuels supply chain reach to support joint regulatory advocacy and industry best practice.
The Clean Shipping Alliance (CSA) and the Marine Fuels Alliance (MFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the shipping industry and bunker suppliers in meeting regulatory requirements on emissions, and to advance the transition to alternative fuels and emissions reduction technologies.
The agreement will see CSA's expertise in exhaust gas cleaning systems and marine environmental technology brought together with MFA's network and knowledge across the marine fuels supply chain. Both organisations share an interest in supporting the maritime industry's transition toward a sustainable, compliant and lower-emission future, and the agreement sets out a structure for the two bodies to share technical insight and coordinate on regulatory pathways.
Through the collaboration, the two associations intend to encourage dialogue between technology providers, fuel suppliers and ship operators, share technical insights and support the development of practical regulatory pathways.
Under this framework, the two associations will:
- Share technical data and research: on MARPOL compliance, alternative fuels, and emissions reduction technologies.
- Coordinate joint advocacy: including at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) level and alongside sessions of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).
- Support industry events: on fleet modernisation, retrofitting and fuel quality standards.
- Develop practical operational guidance: linking technology providers, fuel suppliers and ship operators.
Andreas Chrysostomou, Executive Director of the Clean Shipping Alliance, said: “Shipping's compliance and availability challenges won't be solved by one technology or one fuel. It needs ongoing communication between different elements of the value chain, and that's why CSA and MFA have signed this MoU. Technologies, fuels and regulation cannot be considered in isolation, and by working together we can bring together complementary expertise, improve the exchange of technical knowledge and contribute to solutions that are both environmentally effective and operationally realistic.”
Anthony Mollet, Executive Officer of the Marine Fuels Alliance, said: “The CSA brings a wealth of technical knowledge and first-hand industry experience, particularly in relation to emissions, environmental regulation and the technologies being adopted by shipowners and operators. This partnership will give our members an important additional source of expertise and insight, helping them better understand the challenges facing the industry and make informed decisions as the transition towards cleaner shipping continues.
“For companies across the contractual chain in bunkers, it is increasingly important to understand the decisions being made by shipowners and operators around fuel choice, emissions technologies and the future fuels they intend to use. The selection of a particular fuel grade or technology can have significant implications throughout the bunker supply chain, from contractual arrangements and fuel specifications to supply and operational considerations. This is a key area of focus for the MFA, and we are committed to providing our members with clear, practical and relevant resources to help them navigate these developments.”
The non-binding MoU will initially remain in effect for two years, with both associations designating points of contact to coordinate joint initiatives and regularly review the collaboration.
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