In H2 2025, A.P. Moller – Maersk and Avenir Marine signed a framework agreement for the supply of bio-LNG, scheduled to begin in 2027. This partnership supports Maersk’s transition toward net-zero by providing lower-GHG fuel for its incoming fleet of dual-fuel LNG vessels. Avenir will leverage its fleet of five bunker vessels and two high-capacity newbuilds to facilitate global distribution.
London | March 6, 2026 – In a significant expansion of its decarbonization portfolio, A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has formalized a framework agreement with Avenir Marine, a subsidiary of Avenir LNG, to secure a steady supply of bio-LNG (liquefied biomethane).
The agreement, originally inked in the second half of 2025 but detailed in full today, March 6, 2026, marks a strategic diversification for the Danish shipping giant. While Maersk has long been the industry’s primary champion for green methanol, this deal underscores a pragmatic “fuel-agnostic” approach as it prepares to integrate a massive wave of LNG-capable tonnage into its global network.
Strategic Alignment with Fleet Renewal
The timing of the agreement is precision-engineered to match Maersk’s shifting hardware. Deliveries of the bio-LNG are slated to commence in 2027, coinciding with the arrival of the first dual-fuel liquefied gas vessels into Maersk’s time-chartered fleet.
Key details of the fleet transition include:
- Initial Wave: Maersk has at least 33 LNG-capable vessels on order for delivery by 2030.
- Immediate Capacity: While 2027 marks the bio-LNG ramp-up, the first four of these dual-fuel ships are expected to enter service as early as the remainder of 2026.
- Diverse Tonnage: The orders include a mix of owned and chartered vessels ranging from 9,000 to 18,600 TEU, providing the flexibility to deploy lower-emission capacity across both major East-West trades and regional loops.
Avenir LNG: Scaling the Small-Scale Infrastructure
For Avenir LNG, the deal cements its position as a premier “last-mile” provider of low-carbon molecules. Avenir currently operates a fleet of five sophisticated LNG bunker and supply vessels (LBVs), but is in the midst of a rapid capacity expansion to meet the “pull” of 2027 demand.
- Orderbook Growth: Avenir has two 20,000-cbm newbuilds currently under construction at CIMC SOE in China.
- Delivery Timeline: These larger vessels are scheduled for delivery in Q4 2026 and Q1 2027. One of these units has already been fixed on a multi-year time charter to SeaRiver Maritime (ExxonMobil), highlighting the tightening market for high-spec bunkering tonnage.
- Technical Versatility: The Avenir fleet is designed for high compatibility, capable of performing ship-to-ship, ship-to-truck, and ship-to-terminal transfers. This versatility is crucial for bio-LNG, which often relies on fragmented, localized production sources compared to conventional fossil LNG.
Technical Profile: The Avenir LNG Supply Fleet
Avenir LNG’s competitive edge lies in its “versatility-first” architecture. By operating a mix of 7,500m³ and 20,000m³ units, the company facilitates the full spectrum of delivery modes: Ship-to-Ship (STS), Ship-to-Truck (STT), and Ship-to-Terminal.
Current Operational Assets
The current fleet is heavily utilized through strategic charters with global energy majors, ensuring high operational reliability for partners like Maersk.
| Vessel Name | Capacity | Built | Primary Operation / Charterer |
| Avenir Achievement | 20,000m³ | 2022 | Shell |
| Avenir Ascension | 7,500m³ | 2022 | Avenir Supply & Trading |
| Avenir Aspiration | 7,500m³ | 2021 | Avenir Supply & Trading |
| Avenir Accolade | 7,500m³ | 2021 | New Fortress Energy |
| Avenir Advantage | 7,500m³ | 2020 | Petronas LNG |
Expansion & Future Tonnage
To meet the 2027 demand surge signaled by the Maersk agreement, Avenir is aggressively scaling its 20,000m³ class. These larger vessels are critical for deep-sea container bunkering, where high pumping rates and larger volumes are required to minimize port stay duration.
- Avenir TBN (2026): A 20,000m³ newbuild already secured on charter by Vitol.
- Avenir TBN (2027): A 20,000m³ newbuild currently in production, positioned to support the first wave of Maersk’s dual-fuel fleet deliveries.
Why This Fleet Matters for Maersk
The diversification of Avenir’s fleet mirrors the needs of a global carrier like Maersk.
- The 7,500m³ Units: Perfect for regional hubs and smaller “feeder” vessels where maneuverability is key.
- The 20,000m³ Units: Essential for Maersk’s 15,000+ TEU “Mainline” vessels. The fact that Avenir is doubling its 20k-capacity fleet by 2027 is the “smoking gun” that they are ready to handle the massive fuel intakes required by Maersk’s new-generation tonnage.
Why Bio-LNG?
While Maersk’s leadership has historically voiced concerns regarding methane slip, the company’s 2025–2026 transition plan acknowledges bio-LNG (LBM) as a “viable fuel pathway.”
“Bio-methane can achieve significant greenhouse gas reductions over its lifecycle and offers flexibility in the mid-term as other fuel pathways continue maturing,” Maersk noted in its recent energy transition disclosures.
Bio-LNG serves as a “drop-in” fuel, allowing Maersk to utilize its new gas-powered assets to achieve immediate carbon intensity reductions without further engine modifications. By securing volumes now, Maersk is hedging against the anticipated scarcity of certified sustainable molecules as FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS regulations tighten their grip on the sector.
Looking Ahead
The collaboration between Avenir and Maersk signals a broader industry trend: the “normalization” of dual-fuel gas propulsion among even the most ardent methanol proponents. As the bunker market moves into a “capacity-led growth phase” in 2026, the success of this agreement will likely depend on the scalability of biomethane production and the continued expansion of Avenir’s specialized LBV fleet.
Source: Avenir LNG | Maersk