The maritime industry’s decarbonisation journey is a marathon, not a sprint. And in this marathon, every step counts. That’s the message from Giuseppe Gargiulo, Head of Newbuildings at MSC, and Daniel Bischofberger, CEO of Accelleron, who recently sat down with Maritime Matters: The Marinelink Podcast to discuss the development and delivery of Accelleron’s FITS2 technology. This isn’t just about one innovation—it’s about a mindset shift in how the industry approaches emissions reduction.
FITS2, developed in collaboration with MSC, is a case in point. Built on Accelleron’s century of turbocharger expertise, this technology is designed to optimise engine performance and reduce fuel consumption. But as Bischofberger put it, “It’s not just about the tech—it’s about how we integrate it into the broader fleet strategy.” And that’s where MSC’s approach becomes particularly interesting.
With a fleet of 900 ships and another 120 on order, MSC isn’t just playing the long game—it’s orchestrating it. Gargiulo emphasised that the key lies in balancing innovation with practicality. “We’re not just slapping new tech onto existing ships,” he said. “We’re thinking about how each piece fits into the bigger picture—from newbuilds to retrofits, from automation to operational efficiency.”
This isn’t about chasing the next big thing. It’s about making incremental improvements that compound over time. Whether it’s FITS2, automation, or other efficiency-enhancing technologies, the focus is on what delivers measurable results today while paving the way for tomorrow.
For MSC, this means a dual approach: integrating cutting-edge solutions into newbuilds while ensuring existing vessels are retrofitted with the best available tech. It’s a strategy that demands foresight, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt. As Gargiulo noted, “The industry is evolving, and we need to evolve with it.”
The conversation also touched on the role of collaboration. MSC and Accelleron’s partnership isn’t just about developing technology—it’s about sharing insights, refining approaches, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Bischofberger highlighted the importance of industry-wide cooperation, stating, “We’re all in this together. The more we collaborate, the faster we’ll get to where we need to be.”
This collaborative spirit is crucial. The maritime industry is complex, and no single company can tackle decarbonisation alone. By working together, sharing data, and leveraging collective expertise, the sector can accelerate its progress toward emissions reduction goals.
The discussion also underscored the importance of automation. As ships become smarter, the potential for efficiency gains grows. Automation isn’t just about reducing crew workloads—it’s about optimising operations in real-time, ensuring that every decision is data-driven and every action is purposeful.
Gargiulo and Bischofberger’s insights paint a picture of an industry in transition. It’s an industry that recognises the need for change and is taking deliberate, strategic steps to make it happen. The focus on incremental improvements, collaboration, and automation reflects a mature, pragmatic approach to decarbonisation.
The maritime sector is at a crossroads. The path forward isn’t about one revolutionary breakthrough—it’s about a series of well-executed, well-coordinated steps. And as MSC and Accelleron demonstrate, those steps are already being taken. The question now is: who will follow their lead?