Energy company Gasum is set to provide Hapag-Lloyd with liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) as part of a significant collaboration that follows Hapag-Lloyd’s successful bid in the inaugural Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) tender. The partnership, which will span from 2025 to 2026, will see Gasum supply a total of 20,000 metric tons of bio-LNG for Hapag-Lloyd’s container vessels.
Hapag-Lloyd, a global leader in container shipping, emerged victorious in the ZEMBA tender earlier this year. This tender was established to promote the use of waste-based bio-LNG, a fuel that delivers at least a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. ZEMBA, a groundbreaking buyers’ group in the maritime industry, aims to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission shipping solutions. This initiative is facilitated by Cargo Owners for Zero Emission Vessels (coZEV) and the Aspen Institute Energy & Environment Program.
Gasum’s Role and Sustainability Commitment
Under this agreement, Gasum will supply the required bio-LNG for Hapag-Lloyd’s operations on the Rotterdam-Singapore route throughout the two-year period. Jacob Granqvist, VP of Maritime at Gasum, emphasized the significance of this agreement, stating, “This agreement demonstrates that the green transition in the maritime transport sector is picking up speed. Gasum is proud to enable this transition by supplying shipping companies with bio-LNG in the Northern European region. We need all-hands-on-deck to drive the effort, and using bio-LNG to fuel maritime transports is an effective way to reduce emissions already today, rather than in a distant future.”
Hapag-Lloyd’s Senior Director of Fuel Purchasing, Jan Christensen, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “We are confident in our partnership with Gasum to supply waste-based bio-LNG in line with the strict sustainability requirements of ZEMBA and the Renewable Energy Directive (REDII). This agreement is a stepping-stone towards our target to be net-zero carbon by 2045.”
The Benefits of Bio-LNG
Bio-LNG, produced from waste feedstocks such as biowaste, sewage sludge, manure, and other industrial and agricultural by-products, is a fully renewable and environmentally friendly fuel. It boasts life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions that are, on average, 90% lower than those of fossil fuels. Bio-LNG can be used across various applications, including as a fuel for road and maritime transport and as energy for industrial processes.
Gasum’s bio-LNG is derived from waste materials and is processed in Gasum’s 17 biogas plants located in Finland and Sweden. The company has also established long-term partnerships with certified biogas producers across Europe. Gasum’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its goal to offer 7 TWh of renewable gas annually by 2027, which includes both biomethane and e-methane. This initiative is expected to result in a combined reduction of 1.8 million tons of CO2 emissions per year for its customers.
About Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd is a major player in global container shipping, boasting a fleet of 287 modern container ships with a total transport capacity of 2.2 million TEU. The company operates approximately 13,700 employees and 400 offices across 140 countries. Hapag-Lloyd’s container capacity includes a large and modern fleet of reefer containers. The company runs 114 liner services worldwide, connecting over 600 ports across all continents. In addition, Hapag-Lloyd has equity stakes in 20 terminals in Europe, Latin America, the United States, India, and North Africa, with around 2,900 employees supporting terminal and logistics services.
About Gasum
Gasum is a leading Nordic energy company specializing in cleaner energy solutions. It provides cleaner energy and expert services for industry, combined heat and power production, and fuel solutions for road and maritime transport. With approximately 340 employees across Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Germany, Gasum generated EUR 1,457 million in revenue in 2023. The company is owned by the State of Finland and is dedicated to advancing a carbon-neutral future both on land and at sea.
Source Gasum Ltd.