Nordic Energy Leader Teams Up with Finnish Ferry Operator to Enhance Low-Emission Shipping Solutions

Nordic Energy Leader Teams Up with Finnish Ferry Operator to Enhance Low-Emission Shipping Solutions

(IN BRIEF) Gasum and Wasaline have formed a partnership to create the first large-scale FuelEU Maritime pooling service, which will enable shipping companies to reduce compliance costs while promoting the use of low-emission fuels. Wasaline’s hybrid ferry, operating on bio-LNG, will exceed compliance requirements and contribute to the pool, while Gasum will manage the service and supply ultra-low-emission bio-LNG. This initiative aligns with the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, which requires vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage to reduce carbon intensity starting in 2025, with targets increasing to 80% by 2050. The pooling service allows ships that exceed compliance to offset emissions for those that do not, making compliance more accessible. Gasum aims to produce 7 TWh of renewable gas annually by 2027, significantly reducing carbon emissions for its customers.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 8-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Gasum, a leading Nordic energy company, is joining forces with Wasaline, a prominent Finnish shipping operator, to establish the first large-scale FuelEU Maritime pooling service. This strategic partnership aims to offer a straightforward and cost-effective compliance solution for conventional fuel vessels, helping to drive the adoption of low-emission alternatives in the maritime sector.

Wasaline operates a hybrid ferry capable of running on both batteries and LNG, providing passenger and cargo transport services between Finland and Sweden. As part of this collaboration, Wasaline will contribute to the pooling initiative by utilizing bio-LNG for its daily operations, thereby exceeding compliance requirements. In turn, Gasum will oversee the pooling service, supplying ultra-low-emission bio-LNG and assisting traditional fuel vessels in meeting their compliance targets.

As an established producer and distributor of bio-LNG, Gasum is well-positioned to ensure a reliable supply of ultra-low-emission fuel to Wasaline’s operations. The predictability of Wasaline’s regular ferry route will further enhance the effectiveness of this innovative pooling service.

A Reliable and Accessible Compliance Solution

Gasum’s FuelEU Maritime pooling service offers a unique opportunity for shipping companies to reduce compliance costs while simultaneously promoting the production of low-emission fuels.

Jacob Granqvist, Vice President of Maritime at Gasum, remarked, “As a major bio-LNG producer and supplier, we are uniquely qualified to deliver a comprehensive pooling solution tailored for shipping companies. We have observed significant interest from our customers in this service, and our extensive experience and strong industry connections provide us with a competitive edge that is hard to match.”

Peter Ståhlberg, CEO of Wasaline, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to be part of an initiative that could enhance the production and utilization of renewable biofuels. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability in shipping aligns perfectly with this project, allowing us to help others lower their emissions and advance the green transition in our industry.”

Gradual Regulation for Cleaner Shipping

The FuelEU Maritime regulation, established by the European Union, is designed to increase the usage of renewable and low-carbon fuels while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This regulation applies to all vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage docking at EU ports, requiring owners to reduce the carbon intensity of purchased fuels by a minimum of two percent starting in 2025, with the reduction target incrementally increasing to as much as 80% by 2050.

To facilitate compliance for shipping companies, the FuelEU Maritime framework permits voluntary pooling of emission reductions among vessels. This allows over-compliant vessels to compensate for the emissions of those that are under-compliant, effectively providing a “compliance as a service” solution.

Expanding Access to Bio-LNG and E-LNG

Bio-LNG, derived from liquefied biomethane, is a fully renewable and environmentally friendly fuel, offering life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions that are, on average, 90% lower than fossil fuels. Gasum produces biogas at its 17 biogas plants in Finland and Sweden and has forged long-term partnerships with certified biogas producers across Europe. Looking ahead, Gasum plans to introduce renewable e-methane to the market by 2027.

The company aims to supply its customers with 7 TWh of renewable gas annually by 2027, encompassing both biomethane and e-methane. Achieving this target could result in a significant reduction of approximately 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year for Gasum’s clientele.

For more information about Gasum’s services tailored for the maritime transport sector, please visit their website.

About Gasum

The energy company Gasum is a Nordic gas sector and energy market expert. Gasum offers cleaner energy and energy market expert services for industry and for combined heat and power production as well as cleaner fuel solutions for road and maritime transport. The company helps its customers to reduce their own carbon footprint as well as that of their customers. Together with its partners, Gasum promotes development towards a carbon-neutral future on land and at sea. www.gasum.com

About Wasaline

Wasaline is the northernmost shipping line in the world, which transports passengers and freight daily between Vaasa in Finland and Umeå in Sweden. The route is important for security of supply. The company’s hybrid ferry, Aurora Botnia, is equipped with dual-fuel engines and batteries. The Key Flag has been awarded both to Aurora Botnia and Wasaline’s services as a recognition of Finnish work. For more in-formation, please visit www.wasaline.com

Media Contacts:

Jacob Granqvist
Vice President, Maritime, Gasum
+358 40 483 9129
jacob.granqvist@gasum.com

Peter Ståhlberg
Managing Director, Wasaline
peter.stahlberg@wasaline.com
+358 40 559 2353

SOURCE: Gasum