The company claims Avenir Ascension will be the first bunker vessel globally to run continuously on bio-LNG. This shift is projected to cut annual CO2 emissions by over 3,500 tons, marking a step toward cleaner marine fuel options.
Jonathan Quinn, Managing Director of Avenir LNG, stated: “We are seeing a growing demand from our customers for the supply of low emission bio-LNG. We have developed a flexible and efficient supply chain to enable the cost effective delivery of Bio-LNG across North West Europe. To further demonstrate our commitment to more sustainable marine fuels we have elected to run the Avenir Ascension on bio-LNG on a voluntary basis for 2025, making a positive statement alongside our customers to reduce emissions well beyond existing regulatory requirements.”
Avenir LNG manages a fleet of five LNG bunker and supply vessels, with two additional ships under construction at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (SOE) in China. These new vessels, each with a 20,000 cbm capacity, are expected to join the fleet by the first quarter of 2027. Measuring 160 meters long, 25 meters wide, and designed for a speed of 15.5 knots, they are built for versatility, allowing efficient loading and unloading of LNG and bio-LNG to various vessels and terminals.
This expansion reflects Avenir LNG’s second growth phase, boosting its fleet size by 40% and total capacity by 80%. The investment underscores the company’s focus on meeting rising demand for sustainable fuel solutions in the maritime sector.
Recently, Avenir LNG was purchased by Stolt-Nielsen, a Norway-based firm specializing in chemical and bulk liquid transport and storage, signaling confidence in its future growth. The decision to power Avenir Ascension with bio-LNG aligns with broader industry trends toward lower-emission operations, supported by an adaptable supply network in North West Europe.