Gasum and Wärtsilä are to work together to develop the utilization and distribution of natural energy gases in marine and land markets. A Joint Co-operation Agreement was signed August 29, 2016 and will run for several years, bringing together the combined resources of the major Nordic gas supplier and one of the global leaders in the development of natural gas technology for marine propulsion.
The purpose of the agreement is to develop the Gas Value Chain in order to advance carbon neutrality. The co-operation is aimed to benefit customers by providing efficient and sustainable energy solutions, and consists of several development areas within the value chain including gas as a fuel in the marine market and LNG/LBG distribution and maintenance & operations.
“I’m very pleased with the joint co-operation agreement between Gasum and Wärtsilä, as we’re able to improve access to natural gas solutions as efficient and clean energy alternatives in the marine and land markets,” says Gasum CEO and Chair of the Skangas Board of Directors Johanna Lamminen.
Gas fuelled marine vessels are seen as being a logical means for ship owners and operators to comply with increasingly stringent environmental legislation. In addition to the environmental benefits that LNG fuel offers, the shipping industry is increasingly looking to gas as a means of reducing operating costs. This agreement aims at increasing and easing the availability of natural gas for marine use, as well as developing the supply chain and the infrastructure. The development work regarding LNG in marine traffic will also utilize the expertise of Gasum subsidiary and LNG supplier Skangas.
Improving the availability of LNG will serve not only marine traffic but also the increasing needs of industrial clients outside the natural gas grids and future needs of heavy duty traffic. The LNG infrastructure also allows for the use of liquefied biogas (LBG) without any additional investments.
Biogas is an integral part of the Nordic gas ecosystem and as a clean, renewable energy represents circular economy at its best. Gasum’s strategic objective is to achieve strong growth in the biogas market within as well as outside the gas pipeline network. Development related to this objective includes increasing production capacity, opening new gas filling stations and introducing regional gas solutions and new products and services for customers.
(Source: Gasum)
