Swiss player getting its first LNG carrier in 2027

Swiss-based MET Group has closed a deal with Danish shipowner Celsius for one liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel, to be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry-Jiangsu.

The ultra-efficient 180,000 cubic meter (cbm) LNG carrier newbuild is meant to support the Swiss firm’s growing LNG efforts while helping it enhance the ability to supply its customers with natural gas from various sources. 

The company claims to have one of the most geographically diverse LNG import structures in Europe, with long-term regasification capacity bookings in Germany, Croatia, and Spain. In July, it inked a deal with Shell to purchase U.S. LNG over ten years starting in 2027.

MET Group Chairman and CEO Benjamin Lakatos believes LNG will play an important role in the European energy transition. Last year, the Swiss firm delivered more than 30 LNG cargoes to eight countries across the Mediterranean, Northwest Europe, and the Nordic region.

“We are very pleased to continue expanding our presence within the LNG industry via additional modern fuel efficient vessels with lowest possible unit freight costs,” noted Celsius Chairman & CEO, Jeppe Jensen. “Efficient LNG carriers are key to enhance energy transition given the importance of LNG as the most important imminent fuel for green transition.” 

In early September, MET Group’s Croatian affiliate, MET Croatia Energy Trade, welcomed the 100th LNG shipment to a floating LNG terminal on the island of Krk, Croatia. The terminal’s floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) called Krk, also known as Hrvatska LNG and LNG Croatia, has an annual capacity of 2.9 billion cubic meters.

The terminal has received two additional shipments since then. The 101st was delivered by LNG carrier Tessala on September 19, followed by the Maran Gas Vergina delivering the 102nd cargo 11 days later.