Qatargas, United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) and Shell have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel in the Middle East region. The partners will work to develop and supply LNG as marine fuel for the merchant fleet before the end of the current decade. Through this agreement, the partners will explore the development of new markets for LNG to be used as propulsion fuel within the Middle East and the conversion of UASC's existing vessels providing the opportunity to use a cleaner fuel.