Avenir Ascension Becomes World’s First Bio-LNG Bunker Vessel

Starting April 1, 2025, Avenir LNG’s 7,500 cubic meter (cbm) bunker vessel, Avenir Ascension, will operate entirely on bio-LNG until the end of the year. This initiative makes it the first bunker vessel to continuously run on bio-LNG, reducing annual CO₂ emissions by more than 3,500 tons.

Commitment to Sustainable Marine Fuels

• Jonathan Quinn, Managing Director of Avenir LNG, highlighted the growing demand for low-emission bio-LNG and emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability:

   “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 has established a flexible and cost-effective bio-LNG supply chain across Northwest Europe, supporting the transition to low-emission maritime fuels.

Fleet Expansion & Newbuilds

• Current Fleet: Avenir LNG operates five LNG bunker and supply vessels.

• New Vessels: Two 20,000 cbm LNG bunker vessels are under construction at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (SOE), China.

  • Expected Delivery: First quarter of 2027.

  • Specifications:

    • Length: 160 meters

    • Width: 25 meters

    • Design Speed: 15.5 knots

• These new vessels will increase Avenir LNG’s fleet capacity by 80% and expand its fleet by 40%, supporting a wider range of LNG and bio-LNG bunkering operations.

Strategic Acquisition & Industry Growth

Avenir LNG was recently acquired by Stolt-Nielsen, a Norway-based company specializing in chemical and bulk liquid transportation and storage. This acquisition strengthens Avenir LNG’s position in the global LNG and bio-LNG bunkering market and aligns with industry efforts toward decarbonizing maritime transport.

With Avenir Ascension leading the way in bio-LNG propulsion, Avenir LNG is setting a new benchmark for sustainable maritime fuel adoption. The company’s continued investment in LNG and bio-LNG infrastructure demonstrates its commitment to reducing emissions and supporting the global energy transition.