Finnish energy company Gasum reported a dramatic rise in bio-LNG uptake across its marine fuel operations last year, with the alternative fuel accounting for 12.3% of total marine fuel gas sales in 2025 — up from just 0.8% the year prior, according to Ship & Bunker.
The sharp increase signals growing appetite among vessel operators for lower-carbon fuel options and points to building momentum along the methane pathway to decarbonisation.
A Clear Signal from the Market
Jacob Granqvist, VP at Gasum Maritime, called the development encouraging. “This is a very positive development that clearly shows the viability of the methane pathway in decarbonizing shipping,” he said, as quoted by Ship & Bunker. “We anticipate a continued growth in biomethane volumes going forward, since we see that the demand for lower-emission fuel solutions continues to strengthen.”
Bio-LNG functions as a drop-in fuel for dual-fuel LNG vessels, meaning ships already equipped to run on conventional LNG can switch without technical modifications. This compatibility makes it an attractive near-term option for operators seeking to reduce their carbon footprint without significant investment in new propulsion systems.
FuelEU Maritime Playing a Key Role
Gasum identified the FuelEU Maritime regulation as one of the primary forces driving demand growth. The regulation, which entered into force last year, requires vessels operating in European waters to progressively reduce the carbon intensity of the fuels they use.
In response to that regulatory environment, Gasum pooled 642 vessels for the FuelEU Maritime 2025 reporting period, according to Ship & Bunker.
The scale of the LNG-capable fleet further underscores the potential market for bio-LNG. Citing DNV data, Ship & Bunker notes that the global fleet currently includes 934 LNG-capable ships, with an additional 672 vessels expected to join by 2030.
Does This Matter to You?
For shipping companies operating dual-fuel LNG vessels in European trades, this development is directly relevant. The surge in bio-LNG demand — and Gasum’s growing supply capacity — suggests that compliance with FuelEU Maritime requirements through the methane pathway is becoming more commercially viable.
Vessel operators, charterers, and fleet managers evaluating fuel strategies for European routes may find that bio-LNG offers a practical path to meeting carbon intensity targets without drastic changes to onboard fuel systems. Port operators and bunker suppliers active in Northern European markets should also take note, as demand for bio-LNG bunkering infrastructure is likely to increase alongside fleet growth.
The trend also has implications for carbon accounting, EU ETS obligations, and charter party negotiations where fuel type and emissions performance are increasingly stipulated.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
