MSC to give up on major short cut

Photo: MSC

The company will not use the Northern Sea Route between Europe and Asia for container shipping

The Northern Sea Route lies entirely in Arctic waters and has been trialed by other shipping lines seeking to take advantage of melting ice from global warming. MSC is convinced that the 21 million containers moved each year for its customers can be transported around the world without passing through this Arctic corridor.

A surge in container shipping traffic in the Arctic could damage air quality and endanger the biodiversity of untouched marine habitats.

"(…) MSC finds the disappearance of Arctic ice to be profoundly disturbing. Every drop in the oceans is precious and our industry should focus its efforts on limiting environmental emissions and protecting the marine environment across existing trade routes," said Diego Aponte, President & CEO, MSC Group.

In order to tackle climate change, MSC has recently completed a programme to retrofit over 250 vessels in its existing fleet. These improvements depended mainly on engine upgrades, more efficient propeller and rudder designs and technologies to reduce hull friction.

The shipping line is also looking into the use of alternative fuel sources, including biofuel blends, hydrogen fuel cells, complementary battery power, as well as wind and solar.