Hapag-Lloyd strengthens collaboration with Shell to expand use of renewable Bio-LNG across its fleet

Hapag-Lloyd strengthens collaboration with Shell to expand use of renewable Bio-LNG across its fleet

(IN BRIEF) Hapag-Lloyd has signed a multi-year supply agreement with Shell Western LNG B.V. for liquefied biomethane, building on their 2023 strategic collaboration to accelerate the adoption of renewable marine fuels. Biomethane, also known as Bio-LNG, plays a key role in Hapag-Lloyd’s strategy to achieve net-zero fleet operations by 2045, as it enables significant emissions reductions while allowing LNG dual-fuel vessels to operate without equipment changes. Shell has expanded its global LNG bunkering network to include biomethane at 22 locations, ensuring availability and supply reliability. The fuel is ISCC EU certified, guaranteeing sustainability and traceability across the supply chain. Executives from both companies emphasized the importance of acting now to decarbonize shipping through renewable fuels already available today.

(PRESS RELEASE) HAMBURG, 12-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Hapag-Lloyd has taken another step forward in its decarbonization strategy by signing a multi-year agreement with Shell Western LNG B.V. (Shell) for the supply of liquefied biomethane, effective immediately. The deal strengthens a strategic partnership formed in 2023, aimed at accelerating the use of renewable marine fuels and advancing the shipping industry’s transition toward cleaner energy solutions.

Biomethane, also known as Bio-LNG, is central to Hapag-Lloyd’s plan to achieve net-zero fleet operations by 2045. As a renewable, drop-in fuel, it enables significant emissions reductions without requiring modifications to the company’s LNG dual-fuel vessels. The fuel is produced from organic waste such as crop residues, livestock manure, and food waste, upgraded through the removal of CO₂ and impurities, and then liquefied for use across the shipping supply chain. Importantly, the liquefied biomethane supplied under this agreement is ISCC EU certified, ensuring that feedstock production and supply chain processes meet strict sustainability and traceability standards.

Since 2024, Shell has expanded its global LNG bunkering network to include liquefied biomethane at 22 key locations, making it available on a broader scale. This enhanced availability provides Hapag-Lloyd with reliable access to renewable fuels that align with its mission to cut emissions across operations while supporting its customers’ own decarbonization goals.

Jan Christensen, Senior Director Global Fuel Purchasing at Hapag-Lloyd AG, commented:
“This agreement helps secure the fuel certainty and supply reliability we need to further expand the use of waste-based renewable fuels across our fleet – cutting emissions without compromising the quality and reliability our customers expect. Collaborations like this demonstrate that true leadership in shipping means acting now – using lower-emission fuels already available today and not waiting for future solutions.”

Dexter Belmar, Shell’s Vice President Global Downstream LNG, added:
“Bio-LNG is no longer a concept – it’s here, and it’s fueling the next chapter of shipping decarbonization. These long-term deals help build the confidence needed to scale renewable fuels.”

With this agreement, Hapag-Lloyd reinforces its position as an early mover in adopting renewable fuels, contributing not only to its own sustainability ambitions but also to the broader decarbonization of the freight value chain.

About Hapag-Lloyd
With a fleet of 313 modern container ships and a total transport capacity of 2.5 million TEU, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies. In the Liner Shipping segment, the Company has around 14,000 employees and 400 offices in 140 countries. Hapag-Lloyd has a container capacity of 3.7 million TEU – including one of the largest and most modern fleets of reefer containers. A total of 133 liner services worldwide ensure fast and reliable connections between more than 600 ports on all the continents. In the Terminal & Infrastructure segment, Hapag-Lloyd has equity stakes in 21 terminals in Europe, Latin America, the United States, India and North Africa. Around 3,000 employees are assigned to the Terminal & Infrastructure segment and provide complementary logistics services at selected locations in addition to the terminal activities.

About Shell 
Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in London and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 70 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects. For further information, visit www.shell.com.

Disclaimer 
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such statements are based on a number of assumptions, estimates, projections or plans that are inherently subject to significant risks, uncertainties and contingencies. Actual results can differ materially from those anticipated in the Company’s forward-looking statements.

Media Contacts:

Nils Haupt
Nils.Haupt@hlag.com      +49 40 3001 – 2263

HanjaMaria.Richter
HanjaMaria.Richter@hlag.com     +49 40 3001 – 5102

SOURCE: Hapag-Lloyd