Gasum charters new LNG, bio-LNG bunker

Finnish state-owned energy company Gasum has chartered a new LNG and bio-LNG bunker vessel that will serve Gasum’s customers starting 2027, said the company in a press release on Monday.

The vessel will be owned by a Joint Venture between Gasum and Swedish shipping company Sirius Shipping. The vessel will be built by RMK Marine yard in Istanbul Turkey.

The new state-of-the-art vessel, to be named Celsius, will enable Gasum to fulfil its strategic ambition to increase LNG and bio-LNG availability in the Northwestern European maritime market.

Sirius Shipping and Gasum have a long history together, as Gasum has been the charterer of the bunker vessel Coralius since 2017 and Sirius Shipping has been managing Gasum's bunkering vessel Seagas since 2012.

The investment is part of Gasum’s strategy to secure the availability of LNG and bio-LNG to its customers in the Northwestern European area as demand increases in the coming years.

The number of LNG-powered dual fuel vessels calling at ports in Northwestern Europe is growing significantly.

“Ship owners are now seeing that switching to LNG and bio-LNG is one of the best ways of reducing emissions in maritime logistics already today, instead of waiting for other technologies that have not yet reached maturity or the required scale or infrastructure. This state-of-the-art bunker vessel is an important investment in our ability to continue to deliver the quality service our customers expect from us now and in the future”, said Gasum Chief Executive Officer Mika Wiljanen.

“This newbuilding project is proof of that we are getting closer towards our vision – to become the long term first choice, for our colleagues, customers, and for society. We’re proud to be able to continue the collaboration with Gasum that started in 2012, and with this new and improved LNG vessel, it will continue for decades”, said Jonas Backman, Managing Director of Sirius Shipping.