Shell has taken a step closer to scaling up its global network of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with the signing of a long-term agreement with Green Sky Manara LLC. The deal grants the energy company exclusive offtake rights to the output from a planned production facility at Port Nador in Morocco, strengthening its position in the nascent market for lower-carbon aviation fuels.

Green Sky Manara is a direct subsidiary of the project’s parent company, Green Sky Capital. The facility will use the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) production route and is expected to be operational by October 2028.

Once operational, the Nador plant should produce approximately 150,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel per year. Alternatively, the same amount of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) can be obtained. The plant will also produce other bio-based products including bionaphta and biopropane.

Under the terms of the agreement, Shell will be the only off-taker of the facility, gaining access to its production and an important Moroccan source in its growing portfolio of sustainable fuel supplies.

Morocco joins Shell SAF sourcing network

This follows a previous long-term offtake agreement between Shell and Green Sky Capital for a planned HEFA production facility in Egypt. The project is expected to produce up to 145,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel per year, with deliveries expected to begin by the end of 2027.

Together, the Moroccan and Egyptian projects represent a significant move towards Shell's broader strategy of sourcing sustainable aviation fuel from developing production markets.

The company has already signed take agreements with producers in Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States as part of its sourcing network. “Shell is working across the regions to connect new production capacity to the growing demand from its aviation customers.

Connecting producers with existing airport infrastructure

Shell is also working to connect SAF producers to the infrastructure and customers they need to get these products to the aviation market, as well as locking in fuel volumes.

The company is using its existing trading, logistics, blending and distribution infrastructure to control the flow of sustainable aviation fuel through the supply chain.” The approach taken is to blend SAF into the existing aviation fuel systems, allowing customers to access supply through the current airport infrastructure.

This kind of integration is particularly important as the aviation sector aims to increase the use of sustainable fuels without having to rely only on new distribution systems. Shell wants SAF to be available ready to be delivered at airports using existing infrastructure

Global supply presence in 18 countries

Shell is now one of the world's largest traders and suppliers of sustainable aviation fuel. Its SAF offering is available at more than 80 airports in 18 countries, which shows the global reach of its supply and distribution network.

The company believes that long-term agreements with producers, solid customer relationships and focused investments across the supply chain are key to meeting the increasing demands of the sector.

So the new deal with Green Sky Manara is not just another sourcing deal. It’s part of Shell’s broader effort to build resilient supply chains, strengthen operational capabilities and improve access to sustainable aviation fuel.

Morocco will become another key location in the company’s international SAF sourcing strategy, with the planned Port Nador facility expected to start production in October 2028.