Nordic energy provider Gasum has finalized a long-term contract with Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1. This agreement involves the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to four of Fjord1's ferries, along with an additional backup vessel, which regularly service the Arsvågen–Mortavika route near Stavanger, Norway. This route is a critical transportation link along the E39 highway on Norway's west coast.
Gasum will facilitate the bunkering process using a truck-to-ship method at both terminals of the route. This contract underscores the continued adoption of LNG as a marine fuel, particularly for short-sea and ferry operations in environmentally sensitive regions like the Norwegian fjords.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this development signals a consistent supply of LNG for these specific ferry services, which are integral to regional road freight connectivity. While not directly impacting deep-sea container rates or capacity, it highlights the ongoing shift towards alternative fuels in certain segments of maritime transport, potentially influencing future bunkering strategies and environmental compliance for vessels operating in the region. The reliability of fuel supply for these ferries ensures predictable transit times for road freight utilizing this critical link.