Stolt-Nielsen and NYK Line form joint venture in LNG Bunkering

Stolt-Nielsen Limited, through its subsidiary Stolt-Nielsen Gas Ltd., has agreed to sell a 50 percent stake in Avenir LNG Limited to Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha under a newly signed share purchase agreement. Founded in 2017, Avenir LNG has emerged as a leading operator in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering sector, managing a global fleet of LNG bunker vessels.

The partnership will enable Stolt-Nielsen and NYK Line to jointly pursue small-scale LNG and LNG bunkering opportunities, supporting the adoption of LNG and bio-LNG as marine fuels and for other industrial applications. LNG is increasingly recognized as a practical, scalable fuel that can help shipping reduce emissions, particularly following a surge in dual-fuel LNG vessel orders in recent years.

Udo Lange, CEO of Stolt-Nielsen Limited, said the joint venture strengthens the company’s long-standing collaboration with NYK Line while enhancing Avenir LNG’s position in the small-scale LNG market. He added that the partnership reflects Stolt-Nielsen’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and providing safe, reliable access to LNG fuel for the global shipping industry.

Hironobu Watanabe, CEO of NYK Line’s Energy Division, highlighted the strategic importance of the joint venture, noting that LNG and bio-LNG play an increasingly critical role in maritime decarbonisation. He said the partnership would position Avenir LNG to meet growing market demand and deliver enhanced value across the supply chain.

Jonathan Quinn, managing director of Avenir LNG, welcomed NYK Line as a strategic partner, emphasising that the combined expertise and global reach of the two companies would accelerate the development of LNG bunkering solutions and support customer decarbonisation initiatives.

The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, pending customary regulatory approvals.

For more information visit www.stolt-nielsen.com