Stolt-Nielsen Limited has agreed to sell a 50% stake in Avenir LNG Limited to Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, forming a joint venture aimed at expanding global LNG bunkering activities.
The agreement, signed through Stolt-Nielsen’s subsidiary Stolt-Nielsen Gas Ltd., marks a strategic step to strengthen Avenir LNG’s position in the rapidly growing small-scale LNG and marine fuel market. Founded in 2017, Avenir LNG has developed into one of the major operators of LNG bunker vessels, supporting the increasing use of liquefied natural gas as a cleaner fuel for shipping.
Under the new partnership, Stolt-Nielsen and NYK Line plan to accelerate the development of LNG and bio-LNG supply solutions for the maritime sector and other industrial applications. The move comes as shipping companies increasingly adopt dual-fuel LNG vessels to meet stricter environmental regulations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Udo Lange, chief executive of Stolt-Nielsen Limited, said the joint venture builds on the companies’ longstanding relationship and will strengthen Avenir LNG’s role in small-scale LNG supply and bunkering. He noted that NYK’s experience in global shipping and logistics is expected to add significant value to the business and support the expansion of LNG-fuelled shipping.
Hironobu Watanabe, chief executive of the energy division at NYK Line, said the partnership reflects the growing importance of LNG and bio-LNG as practical solutions for the maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts.
Jonathan Quinn, managing director of Avenir LNG, added that NYK’s global reach and operational expertise will help accelerate the development of LNG bunkering services and support customers’ transition toward lower-emission fuels.
Completion of the transaction is expected by mid-2026, subject to regulatory and customary approvals.
