LNG is the cornerstone of the new Nordic gas ecosystem – read LNG’s journey from a manufacturing plant to the tanks of heavy-duty vehicles and vessels

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) Nordic value chain is built on manufacturing plants, terminals and efficient distribution networks. These elements enable the use of gas on land and at sea. By investing in LNG's infrastructure in Finland, Sweden and Norway, Gasum is paving the way for cleaner transport, logistics and industry in the Nordics. Gas has a significant role to play in reducing the carbon footprint of the energy industry.

The value chain of Gasum's LNG begins in a manufacturing plant that is located in Risavika's harbor, Norway. At the plant, natural gas is liquefied by freezing it to minus 163 degrees Celsius with renewable electric energy. The manufacturing plant has been in operation since 2011, and it can liquefy as much as 300,000 tonnes of natural gas every year.

From there, the LNG is transported from the manufacturing plant with specially equipped trucks to industrial locations near Risavika, as well as to harbours and ships. In addition, Gasum uses time-freight LNG transport vessels to move the LNG to terminals in Norway, Sweden and Finland. At the import terminals, the gas is distributed between industrial customers, heavy-duty gas filling stations and customers in the maritime industry.

Freight and passenger vessels can also refuel LNG at Norway's manufacturing plant, import terminals or with the help of another vessel that is specialised in bunkering.

"Ship-to-ship bunkering makes LNG more accessible to our maritime customers. It complements our bunkering operations that are done with the use of tanker trucks and in terminals by the coast," says Jacob Granqvist, Vice President, maritime Gasum.

LNG is suitable for all vessel types, including ferries, passenger ships, tankers, bulk, supply and container ships. The use of LNG reduces maritime emissions both locally and globally.

"Our Pori terminal in Finland, for example, services the world's first icebreaker that uses LNG as fuel. The vessel is called Polaris, and it stops in Pori on its way to the Gulf of Bothnia to break ice. Finland's northernmost terminal is in Tornio. From Tornio, we can distribute LNG to Northern Sweden and Finland," Granqvist says.

LNG makes Nordic land and maritime traffic and industry cleaner

The demand for cleaner energy solutions is increasing in all transport and industry sectors. The increased demand is largely due to the need to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

LNG is used for industrial purposes, in maritime transport and as fuel for heavy-duty vehicles. As a liquefied fuel, it is a practical choice for industries working in processing, paper and metal, for example. LNG is also a functional solution for maritime transport since it is a cost-effective fuel with low emissions and a guaranteed security of supply.

LNG offers a good alternative fuel for heavy-duty transport – it does not produce any small particles and it reduces emissions. According to a fuel lifespan analysis, the use of LNG can reduce CO₂ emissions by as much as 20% when compared to fossil-based diesel. Vehicles that use LNG as fuel also produce less noise pollution because the vehicles' noise level is significantly lower compared to vehicles that use other fuels. LNG is also economical; a heavy-duty vehicle can travel almost 1,500 kilometers with one tank full of LNG.

In addition, LNG is the perfect fuel when transitioning towards a carbon neutral society. Vehicles that use LNG can use completely renewable LBG (liquefied biogas) without any additional adjustments. LBG can also reduce emissions by up to 90% when compared to traditional, fossil-based fuels.

"The demand for gas is increasing and its security of supply is stable. Our most important task is to encourage companies and organisations to choose a cleaner fuel alternative. I believe that the demand for cleaner fuel solutions will spread throughout all road transport, maritime and industry sectors at a fast pace," Granqvist states.

13.10.2020