ExxonMobil and China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) have signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement that will see the two companies expand cooperation across a number of joint projects. The arrangement, which builds on five years of successful cooperation, will cover lubricants and fuels, digital transformation, advanced engines and on-board training.

“We have great confidence in cooperating with CMES and will provide them with comprehensive support. We firmly believe that both sides will move forward, formulating a deeper strategic partnership,” said Pamela Skaufel, Director of ExxonMobil Aviation and Marine Lubricants, at the signing ceremony in Dalian, China.

The companies had previously finalised a marine lubricant cooperation agreement at the International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai last November and have subsequently cooperated on a range of issues such as ship chartering, marine fuels and lubricant supply, technical leadership and corporate collaboration.

“We continue to produce successful business cooperation with ExxonMobil on ship chartering and marine lubricant procurement,” said Xie Chunlin, Chairman and CEO of CMES. “The signing of this strategic cooperation framework agreement will further strengthen communication with ExxonMobil. Both sides will leverage their respective advantages, continuously deepening and expanding areas of cooperation.”