Edison and Knutsen Sign Contract for New 174,000 m³ LNG Carrier to Be Built by Hanwha Ocean

Expanding LNG Capacity for Future Demand

The agreement strengthens an existing partnership while supporting wider efforts to secure diverse LNG sources. As volumes continue to rise, the expanded fleet will provide greater flexibility and help match supply with shifting market conditions.

The vessel will handle cargoes tied to long-term FOB agreements. These volumes are expected to grow further as part of the company’s ongoing transition plan. A recent LNG supply contract adds about 0.7 mtpa from 2028 for up to 15 years.

Key Technical Features and Design

Hanwha Ocean will construct the carrier with four modern membrane tanks. They come with high-efficiency insulation designed to reduce boil-off and improve overall performance.
In addition, the vessel includes:

• A dual-fuel propulsion system capable of using LNG and marine diesel

• Shaft generators to improve onboard energy use

• A full reliquefaction system to recover all boil-off gas

These systems align with IMO rules and support compliance with FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS frameworks, allowing operations to meet future environmental standards.

A Partnership Built Over Years

The relationship between the two companies began in 2018 with a 30,000-cubic-meter LNG vessel built for small-scale supply and bunkering in Ravenna. Its flexible setup enabled it to serve several types of terminals, including coastal regasification facilities during recent energy shortages.

Role in Italy’s Energy Supply

The Italian energy firm brings around 14 billion cubic meters of natural gas into the country each year. Supplies come from Qatar, Libya, Algeria, Azerbaijan and the United States. This diversified intake covers roughly 23% of national consumption.

The company also completed Italy’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation together with CMA CGM, marking another step in its LNG activities.