Gasum, a leading Nordic energy company, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Finnish shipping company Viking Line to join its FuelEU Maritime pooling service. Viking Line, renowned for its LNG-powered vessels operating routes between Finland and Sweden, is set to offer significant over-compliance by utilizing Gasum’s renewable bio-LNG, a bio-based fuel derived from waste and manure, to achieve over 90% emissions reduction compared to conventional fossil fuels such as Marine Gas Oil (MGO).
The move comes as part of Viking Line’s ongoing commitment to sustainable maritime transport, making bio-LNG a cornerstone of its green energy strategy. By participating in the FuelEU Maritime pooling service, Viking Line aims to not only reduce its carbon footprint but also to help foster greater emissions reductions across the European maritime sector.
Jacob Granqvist, Gasum’s Vice President of Maritime, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled at the opportunity to have a pioneering Nordic shipping company like Viking Line join our FuelEU maritime pooling service. With Viking Line on board, Gasum will have an unmatched source of over-compliance in the pool. This will enable us to offer our customers the easiest and most cost-effective way to reach compliance for vessels running on conventional fuels.”
Viking Line’s CEO, Jan Hanses, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability, noting, “For us at Viking Line, taking every possible step towards more sustainable maritime transport is a top priority. Increased use of bio-LNG as a maritime fuel is one big step. That is why joining Gasum’s FuelEU Maritime pooling service is such an attractive option for us. If we can enable reducing emissions in the maritime sector and further our work towards Green Maritime Corridors with such an easy move, there is really no question about it.”
Reducing maritime emissions by 80% by 2050
Gasum’s FuelEU Maritime pooling service allows vessels that exceed the required emission reductions to compensate for vessels that have not yet met compliance targets. As a result, over-compliant vessels like those operated by Viking Line contribute to the overall reduction of emissions across the fleet, promoting the use of renewable fuels and reducing costs for shipping companies. Viking Line joins Finnish shipping company Wasaline as a key over-compliance generator in this innovative service.
The FuelEU Maritime regulation, part of the European Union’s broader climate goals, aims to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels used by ships in EU waters. By 2025, vessel owners are required to cut carbon emissions by at least 2%, with the target increasing to 80% by 2050. Gasum’s service is designed to make compliance more accessible for shipping companies, providing a cost-effective, reliable solution while helping to drive the production and use of low-emission fuels.
Bio-LNG, the fuel central to the partnership, is a fully renewable energy source with lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions 90% lower than those of conventional fossil fuels. Gasum plans to expand its renewable gas offerings significantly, with a target of providing 7 TWh of renewable gas, including biomethane and e-methane, annually by 2027.
About Viking Line
Viking Line is the market leader in passenger traffic on the Baltic Sea, operating routes between Sweden, Åland, Finland, and Estonia. The company provides both passenger services and freight transport on vessels including Viking Cinderella, Viking Grace, Viking Glory, Gabriella, and Viking XPRS, catering to over 5 million passengers annually. Viking Line is committed to sustainable maritime transport and continues to lead efforts in environmental responsibility.
About Gasum
Gasum is a leading expert in the Nordic gas sector, offering cleaner energy solutions for industry, combined heat and power production, and cleaner fuel options for road and maritime transport. With a commitment to reducing carbon footprints across various industries, Gasum plays a critical role in advancing sustainable energy solutions.