LNG supplier and terminal operator, Skangas, a Gasum company, signed a deal with ESL shipping to supply fuel for the latter’s LNG-fueled newbuildings.
The two new vessels will start operating during the first half of 2018, with the first vessel already named Viikki in June this year.
Kimmo Rahkamo, CEO of Skangas said the Viikki will be the first vessel to be served at the new LNG terminal in Tornio.
Being built by Wärtsilä, the facility is scheduled to begin operations in early 2018.
These new, ice-class 1A ships will be the first LNG-fuelled large bulk carriers in the world, Skangass said, and will carry out sea transports within the Baltic Sea and the North Sea.
As part of the agreement, Skangas will also deliver ESL Shipping with liquefied biogas.
Skangas added that shipowners are turning to LNG as their primary fuel, with some 200 vessels expected to run on LNG by 2020.