Oslo-listed shipping and logistics group Stolt-Nielsen Limited has agreed to sell a 50% stake in LNG bunkering specialist Avenir LNG to Japan’s Nippon Yusen Kaisha, forming a new joint venture focused on small-scale LNG supply. The deal, struck through Stolt-Nielsen’s subsidiary Stolt-Nielsen Gas, will see the two shipping groups jointly develop Avenir LNG’s bunkering and small-scale LNG business. Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the middle of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. London-based Avenir LNG was founded in 2017 and has grown into a specialist player in the LNG bunkering sector. The company currently operates five small-scale LNG bunker vessels, with two additional ships under construction. The partners say the joint venture will focus on expanding LNG and bio-LNG supply to the shipping industry as demand for alternative fuels grows. “NYK’s experience in shipping and logistics, together with potential market opportunities arising from the continued expansion of LNG-fueled vessels, is expected to add value to Avenir LNG, its customers, and our shareholders,” said Udo Lange, chief executive at Stolt-Nielsen. “As the maritime industry accelerates its efforts toward decarbonisation, LNG and bio-LNG fuel have become more essential and practical role in supporting a sustainable energy transition. Through this new partnership, we are confident that Avenir LNG will be well positioned to meet the growing demands of the market and deliver enhanced value to the supply-chain,” added Hironobu Watanabe, chief executive of the energy division at NYK. NYK and Stolt-Nielsen already have a strong tie-up in the chemical tanker business via NYK Stolt Tankers (NST) and Stolt NYK Asia Pacific Services (SNAPS) – a chemical ship pool business that controls over tankers dedicated to the Asia-Pacific region. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsJapan Norway United Kingdom