Knutsen Expands LNG Fleet with Edison Contract for New 174,000 cbm LNG Carrier

[Administrator]

9 Dec 2025

Norwegian shipping company Knutsen Group has announced a major fleet expansion after signing a long-term charter agreement with Italian energy company Edison S.p.A. for a new state-of-the-art liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. The deal marks a significant step forward in strengthening Knutsen's position in the global LNG shipping market while supporting the continued growth of sustainable energy transportation.

The new LNG carrier, with a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters, will be constructed by Hanwha Ocean at its shipyard in Geoje (Okpo), South Korea. Scheduled for delivery in 2028, the vessel will be deployed under a long-term charter to Edison, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two companies. The contract was formally signed at Knutsen's headquarters in Haugesund, Norway, highlighting the importance of this collaboration in the evolving LNG sector.

Designed to meet the highest standards of efficiency and environmental performance, the new LNG vessel will incorporate cutting-edge maritime technology. It will feature four next-generation membrane tanks equipped with advanced insulation systems to minimize LNG boil-off, a natural evaporation process that occurs during transport. By reducing boil-off, the vessel ensures higher cargo efficiency and improved operational reliability, which are critical factors in modern LNG shipping.

In line with the industry's transition toward cleaner energy solutions, the LNG carrier will be powered by a dual-fuel propulsion system capable of operating on both LNG and marine diesel. This flexible system significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. Additionally, the vessel will include shaft generators for optimized onboard energy usage and a full reliquefaction system that captures and reprocesses boil-off gas, further enhancing fuel efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.

The vessel has been specifically engineered to comply with the latest international and regional environmental regulations, including those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as well as the European Union's FuelEU Maritime and Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). This ensures that the ship will remain competitive and fully compliant with future sustainability standards, positioning both Knutsen and Edison at the forefront of environmentally responsible LNG transportation.

This agreement further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Knutsen and Edison, which began in 2018. One of the key milestones in their collaboration was the development of the Ravenna Knutsen, a highly versatile LNG carrier with a capacity of 30,000 cubic meters. The vessel has been instrumental in supplying LNG to the Corsini port in Ravenna, Italy, supporting small-scale LNG distribution, sustainable mobility initiatives, and LNG bunkering operations for other ships.

The Ravenna Knutsen has demonstrated exceptional operational flexibility, enabling it to serve a wide range of infrastructure, including coastal regasification terminals during periods of energy disruption. Its ability to adapt to different storage facilities and vessel types has made it a valuable asset in enhancing energy security and resilience in the region.

With this new 174,000 cbm LNG carrier, Knutsen continues to expand its global LNG fleet while reinforcing its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in maritime transport. The partnership with Edison underscores a shared vision of advancing cleaner energy logistics and meeting the growing global demand for LNG as a transition fuel in the shift toward a lower-carbon future.