Germany's leading container shipping company, Hapag-Lloyd, has chosen Nordic energy firm Gasum to supply waste-based liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) for its vessels after securing the first tender from the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA). Announced on April 16, 2024, ZEMBA, a pioneering coalition aimed at accelerating zero-emission shipping solutions, awarded Hapag-Lloyd the inaugural tender for ocean shipping using bio-LNG that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 90%.

In response, Hapag-Lloyd has partnered with Gasum to ensure a steady supply of bio-LNG for its container ships over the two-year tender period. Gasum will deliver a total of 20,000 metric tonnes of waste-based bio-LNG during 2025 and 2026. The bio-LNG will be used to fuel vessels operating on the route between Rotterdam and Singapore.

Bio-LNG, derived from waste, is recognized as a fully renewable and environmentally friendly fuel. It boasts an average life-cycle GHG emissions reduction of 90% compared to traditional fossil fuels.

Jacob Granqvist, Vice President of Maritime at Gasum, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “This partnership illustrates the accelerating shift towards greener maritime transport. Gasum is excited to support this transition by providing bio-LNG to shipping companies in Northern Europe. Our collective efforts are crucial in advancing this initiative, and using bio-LNG is a practical solution for reducing emissions now rather than waiting for the future.”

Jan Christensen, Senior Director of Fuel Purchasing at Hapag-Lloyd, expressed confidence in the collaboration, noting, “Our partnership with Gasum aligns with ZEMBA’s stringent sustainability standards and the Renewable Energy Directive (REDII). This agreement represents a significant step towards our goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.”

This agreement marks a notable advancement in Hapag-Lloyd’s efforts to integrate sustainable practices within its operations, reinforcing the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and supporting the broader maritime industry's transition to zero-emission technologies.

Gasum is a leading Nordic expert in the gas and energy sectors. The company provides cleaner energy solutions and market expertise for industrial applications, combined heat and power production, and sustainable fuels for road and maritime transport. Gasum assists its clients in reducing their carbon footprints and those of their customers. In collaboration with its partners, Gasum is committed to advancing toward a carbon-neutral future both on land and at sea. With approximately 340 employees across Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Germany, Gasum achieved a revenue of EUR 1,457 million in 2023. The company is owned by the State of Finland.

Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world's top liner shipping companies, operates a fleet of 287 modern container ships with a total capacity of 2.2 million TEU. The company employs approximately 13,700 people across 400 offices in 140 countries. Hapag-Lloyd's container capacity reaches 3.2 million TEU, including a fleet of some of the largest and most advanced reefer containers. With 114 liner services, the company provides fast and reliable connections to over 600 ports worldwide. In the Terminal & Infrastructure segment, Hapag-Lloyd holds equity stakes in 20 terminals across Europe, Latin America, the United States, India, and North Africa. This segment employs around 2,900 staff who offer additional logistics services beyond terminal operations at select locations.