Solvang Names Clipper Guardian, Galiot & Galleon, Newbuild CCS-Ready VLGCs

Solvang ASA has expanded its fleet with three high-specification VLGCs, Clipper Guardian, Clipper Galiot, and Clipper Galleon, built at HD Hyundai in partnership with Gunvor Group. These vessels feature a comprehensive environmental suite, including Wärtsilä’s carbon capture readiness, Tier III engines for NOx reduction, and WESP technology for soot filtration. By deploying these advanced systems now, Solvang is proactively reducing its current GHG footprint while establishing a technical foundation for future zero-emission operations.

Norway | April 8, 2026 – Solvang has officially launched a new era of gas transport with the triple naming of Clipper Guardian, Clipper Galiot, and Clipper Galleon. While the ceremony at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries celebrated the physical expansion of the fleet, the real story lies within the hull: a sophisticated suite of environmental technologies that makes these Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) some of the most ecologically advanced vessels on the water today.

Developed in partnership with Gunvor Group, these vessels represent a “no-wait” approach to the climate crisis, investing in immediate emission reductions while future-proofing for the net-zero mandates of tomorrow.

Engineering for Zero: The Technical Suite

Solvang has moved beyond standard efficiency, equipping the “Clipper” class with a specialized “Tier III” engine class and a multi-tiered filtration system designed to tackle every aspect of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) footprint.

• Comprehensive Cleaning: The ships feature advanced exhaust gas cleaning paired with dedicated water treatment systems to prevent “open-loop” environmental discharge.
• Onboard Carbon Capture (CCS): In a landmark collaboration with Wärtsilä Exhaust Treatment, the vessels are pre-fitted with the latest CCS-ready technology. This allows for the capture of CO2 directly from the exhaust stream, a critical bridge for deep-sea shipping decarbonization.
• WESP Technology: The inclusion of Wet Electrostatic Precipitators (WESP) ensures the drastic reduction of particulate matter and soot, keeping the Baltic and global skies clearer.
• Tier III NOx Reduction: Solvang’s proprietary engine class meets the strictest IMO Tier III standards, significantly lowering nitrogen oxide output.

A Strategic Partnership with Gunvor Group

The delivery is underpinned by a joint venture with global energy trader Gunvor Group. By serving as both JV partner and charterer, Gunvor ensures that its supply chain benefits from high-efficiency tonnage that mitigates Scope 3 emissions. This vertical integration allows both Solvang and Gunvor to test and scale carbon capture viability in real-world trading conditions.

“Rather than waiting for the perfect solution, we are investing in technologies and measures that reduce emissions today while preparing for the future,” Solvang stated, emphasizing a pragmatic but aggressive environmental strategy.

Vessel & Partnership Profile

The Stavanger Legacy

Founded in 1936, Solvang ASA has transitioned from a traditional Norwegian shipowner to a global leader in LPG and petrochemical logistics. By integrating Wärtsilä’s carbon capture readiness and their own high-spec engine designs, Solvang is proving that the transition to sustainable shipping is not a distant goal, but a current operational standard.

About Solvang ASA

Founded in 1936, Stavanger-based Solvang ASA has evolved from a modest local outfit into a global powerhouse in the transport of LPG and petrochemical gases. With a presence in Oslo and the Philippines, the company operates a sophisticated fleet that balances cutting-edge technology with a deep-rooted commitment to “good seamanship.” This focus on human expertise and rigorous training ensures high-quality, reliable deliveries across its modern vessels. Today, Solvang remains a leader in maritime innovation, leveraging decades of experience to set a steady course toward a more sustainable and efficient shipping future.

Source: Solvang ASA