Gasum, a leading energy company in the Nordic region, has chartered a new LNG and bio-LNG bunker vessel, named Celsius, which is scheduled for delivery in 2027. The new vessel will be jointly owned by Gasum and leading Swedish shipping company Sirius Shipping. Built by RMK Marine yard in Istanbul, Turkey, the vessel will play a vital role in Gasum’s strategy to meet the growing demand for LNG and bio-LNG in the Northwestern European maritime market. This investment underlines Gasum’s commitment to supporting the decarbonization of the shipping industry by providing cleaner fuel solutions.
A Long-Standing Partnership Between Gasum and Sirius Shipping
Gasum and Sirius Shipping have worked together for many years, with Gasum chartering the Coralius bunker vessel since 2017. Additionally, Sirius Shipping has managed Gasum’s Seagas vessel since 2012. Their long-standing cooperation is a key driver in the success of Gasum’s bunkering services, and this new venture marks another step forward in their collaborative efforts to expand the availability of LNG and bio-LNG throughout the region.
Jonas Backman, Managing Director of Sirius Shipping, shared, “This newbuilding project is proof that we are getting closer to our vision – to become the long-term first choice for our colleagues, customers, and society. We’re proud to continue the collaboration with Gasum that started in 2012. With this new and improved LNG vessel, our partnership will last for decades to come.”
Gasum’s Strategic Commitment to Clean Energy
“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”, says Gasum CEO Mika Wiljanen.
He further highlighted the importance of Celsius in helping Gasum continue to deliver the high-quality service its customers expect both now and in the future. The increasing demand for LNG-powered dual-fuel vessels in Northwestern Europe has been a significant driver for this new vessel, and Celsius will be ready to meet these growing needs starting in 2027.
Celsius LNG Bunker Vessel: Improved Efficiency, Capacity, and Functionality
The Celsius will be an upgraded version of Gasum and Sirius Shipping’s previous vessels, incorporating over eight years of experience and nearly 1,000 LNG bunkering operations with the Coralius. Key enhancements include:
- Better Fuel Efficiency: The new vessel will have improved fuel consumption, reducing operational costs and improving overall efficiency.
- Improved Tank Insulation: Enhanced tank insulation will minimize fuel loss and improve the overall performance of the vessel.
- Increased Cargo Capacity: Celsius will feature a larger cargo capacity, allowing it to carry more fuel and serve more vessels.
- Enhanced Fender Handling: New fender handling systems will improve safety and operational efficiency during bunkering operations.
The Celsius will also be equipped with a high-performance Gas Combustion Unit (GCU), capable of performing customer vessel cool-down operations at record speeds, offering an additional level of service and efficiency to customers.
Environmental Benefits of LNG and Bio-LNG
LNG and bio-LNG are two of the most promising fuel solutions for reducing emissions in the maritime industry. LNG offers significant environmental benefits, including:
- Complete Removal of Sulfur Oxides (SOx): LNG use eliminates harmful sulfur emissions, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels like marine gasoil (MGO).
- 85% Reduction in Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): LNG also drastically reduces nitrogen oxide emissions, helping to combat air pollution and improve air quality in port areas.
- 20% Reduction in CO2 Emissions: LNG is a more carbon-efficient fuel, helping shipping companies reduce their overall carbon footprint.
Bio-LNG, a fully renewable fuel derived from organic waste, offers even greater environmental benefits, with life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions on average 90% lower than those of traditional marine fuels like MGO.
Gasum’s goal is to offer 7 TWh of renewable gas to its customers annually by 2027, including biomethane and e-methane. This ambitious goal is expected to result in a reduction of 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year for its customers, significantly contributing to the decarbonization of the maritime industry.
Gasum’s Evolving Services and Regulatory Compliance
As the maritime industry faces increasingly stringent regulations to reduce emissions, Gasum has responded by offering innovative services designed to help its customers stay ahead of regulatory requirements. In 2024, Gasum launched its maritime pooling service, which enables companies operating vessels on traditional fuels to comply with the FuelEU Maritime regulation. This service ensures that maritime companies can meet their emissions targets in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
Gasum’s ability to provide both LNG and bio-LNG bunkering services positions the company as a leader in cleaner maritime fuels. LNG and bio-LNG are fully interchangeable, and Gasum can provide these fuels at any desired ratio for customers operating LNG-powered vessels.
The Celsius represents a significant advancement in Gasum’s ongoing efforts to meet the rising demand for LNG and bio-LNG in Northwestern Europe. By continuing its partnership with Sirius Shipping and investing in this state-of-the-art vessel, Gasum is well-positioned to support the maritime industry’s transition toward more sustainable operations. This new vessel is a testament to Gasum’s dedication to providing cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally friendly fuel solutions to its customers.
About Sirius Shipping
Sirius Shipping, founded by the Backman family on the island of Donsö, Sweden, has extensive experience in transporting oil products, biofuels, chemicals, and LNG in Northern Europe. The company operates a modern fleet of 11 product tankers and 2 LNG tankers, with three additional product/chemical tankers under commercial management. Sirius Shipping is currently in the process of renewing its fleet, with seven newbuilds planned across various segments.
About Gasum
Gasum is a leading energy company in the Nordic region, specializing in cleaner energy solutions and expert services for industries, combined heat and power production, and transportation. Gasum plays a critical role in helping its customers reduce their carbon footprint by providing sustainable fuel solutions for both road and maritime transport. With a commitment to the decarbonization of energy-intensive sectors, Gasum is actively contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.
Source Gasum