As part of its growth strategy in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) segment, Swiss company MET Group has partnered with Celsius for the construction of MET’s first LNG vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2027.

Efficient and modern, the vessel that will carry LNG will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) and will strengthen the growth of MET Group’s activities in the liquefied natural gas segment. MET’s partner in this joint venture is the Celsius company, an important owner and operator of ships with activities in the maritime industry.

The acquisition of the vessel reinforces MET Group’s strategy to increase its capacity to supply LNG to customers from diversified sources, including the recently signed agreement with Shell to purchase LNG from the US over a period of 10 years.

Geographically, MET Group has one of the most diverse LNG import structures in Europe, with long-term regasification capabilities in Germany, Croatia and Spain. MET Group imported LNG to eight different countries in the Mediterranean area (Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain), North-West Europe (UK, Belgium, Germany) and the Nordic region (Finland). In 2023, MET delivered more than 30 LNG cargoes to Europe.

“We are delighted to reach this important milestone for our activities in the LNG segment in partnership with Celsius. At MET, we are confident in the role that LNG will play in the European energy transition,” said MET Group President and CEO Benjamin Lakatos.

“We are excited about the continued expansion in the LNG industry through modern, fuel-efficient vessels with the lowest transportation costs. We are pleased to start this partnership with MET Group and support the company in its development strategy in this segment. LNG shipments are critical to improving the energy transition, given the importance of LNG as the main fuel for the green transition,” added Celsius President and CEO Jeppe Jensen.