Celsius Geneva (for illustration purposes);

Danish shipping player Celsius has expanded its liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel orderbook with a new addition, thanks to a deal with Japan’s JERA, a joint venture of TEPCO Fuel & Power Incorporated and Chubu Electric Power Company.

While confirming the order of its 21st 180,000 cubic-meter (cbm) LNG carrier, Celsius explained that the vessel, slated for delivery in 2027, would be employed on a long-term charter with JERA.

Frederik Baier Jensen, Chief Investment Officer at Celsius, commented: “Very proud to announce this transaction and excited about our new long term partnership with JERA. Thanks to all parties involved.”

While the value of the deal with the Japanese player is undisclosed, the Danish shipowner elaborates that the new vessel design will be equipped with WIN-GD’s latest X-DF 2.2 propulsion system and offer industry-low fuel consumption and emissions per unit freight.

“We are truly excited about this new commercial partnership with JERA being one of the key charterers in the LNG shipping industry and look forward to a good and long-lasting partnership,” highlighted Celsius.

The new LNG ship order comes several months after Celsius struck a deal with Swiss-based MET Group for another LNG carrier.

On the other hand, JERA inked a long-term charter in mid-January 2025 for an LNG newbuild with Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL), a compatriot shipping major.

According to DNV, a record number of LNG ship deliveries, amounting to 169, was witnessed in 2024, helping double the size of the LNG-fueled fleet in operation between 2021 and 2024.

Based on DNV’s data, 641 LNG-powered ships were in operation last year. However, the orderbook indicates the number will double by the decade-end.