The race to cleaner seas is heating up—and one Baltic shipping giant just made a game-changing move. In a bold step toward maritime decarbonization, Nordic energy company Gasum has expanded its FuelEU Maritime compliance pool with another major player: Tallink’s MyStar vessel, now powered by renewable bio-LNG. But here’s where it gets interesting—this collaboration doesn’t just greenify one ship; it also strengthens Gasum’s entire compliance network under new EU climate rules.
Gasum, a leading energy provider across the Nordics, has entered a pooling and bio-LNG supply agreement with Elenger, the largest privately owned energy firm in the Baltic-Finnish region. Elenger is also Tallink’s long-time fuel supplier, which makes this partnership a natural next step. Under the deal, Tallink’s MyStar ferry will transition to running on sustainable bio-LNG, generating much-needed compliance surplus for Gasum’s FuelEU Maritime pool.
A regulation that’s reshaping shipping
The FuelEU Maritime regulation is one of the European Union’s strongest pushes yet to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping. It enforces progressively tighter limits on the carbon intensity of energy used by vessels entering or leaving EU ports. In simpler terms—ships can’t just rely on traditional fossil fuels anymore. If they want to stay compliant, they must adopt cleaner alternatives like LNG and bio-LNG. For many ship operators, this requirement represents both a challenge and an opportunity to accelerate their green transition.
A new chapter in Baltic Sea shipping
Commenting on the partnership, Jacob Granqvist, Vice President of Maritime at Gasum, said the company is thrilled to welcome Tallink MyStar into its FuelEU Maritime pool as a compliance generator. The timing is strategic as the year’s end approaches—a period when shipping firms scramble to secure their emission allowances. By adding another bio-LNG-fueled vessel, Gasum boosts its ability to support customers facing strict EU rules. “We’re strengthening our pool and working to secure as much compliance as possible before the deadline,” Granqvist explained.
Gasum supplies Elenger with bio-LNG produced at its Pori terminal and recently began publishing daily prices for its compliance units, measured by tons of CO₂ emitted. Tallink, meanwhile, operates 11 passenger and cargo vessels on routes connecting Estonia, Finland, and Sweden—vital channels for regional transport and trade.
Building on a legacy of innovation
Elenger’s CEO, Margus Kaasik, praised Tallink’s leadership, saying that the company “is setting an example for others in the Baltic Sea region.” Indeed, Tallink was one of the first operators to adopt LNG back in 2017—a forward-thinking decision that reduced its emissions long before current regulations demanded it. With Elenger providing bunkering and logistical support along the way, this latest shift to renewable bio-LNG represents another milestone in their shared journey toward cleaner operations.
Pooling: A flexible path to compliance
The concept of pooling might sound technical, but the idea is simple. It allows multiple ships or operators to cooperate and collectively meet FuelEU Maritime requirements. For example, vessels that can’t yet use bio-LNG can still balance their carbon footprint by joining a pool with ships that do. The result is a cost-effective way to stay compliant while transitioning at a manageable pace.
Gasum’s FuelEU Maritime pool is already recognized for its reliability. As the pooling administrator, Gasum guarantees the supply of low-emission fuel and assumes full responsibility for the compliance status of every vessel in the pool. That kind of accountability has made it a trusted partner for maritime operators navigating new regulatory waters.
Looking ahead: a greener fleet
Tallink’s CEO, Paavo Nõgene, highlighted the company’s ambitious goal: to completely replace the LNG needs of both its shuttle vessels, MyStar and Megastar, with liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) within the next year. “This transition means our passengers and cargo clients can significantly reduce their environmental footprint when traveling with Tallink,” he said. “Sustainability isn’t just an optional extra—it’s central to our mission.”
But could this shift signal a deeper transformation across the maritime industry? Many experts see such partnerships as the blueprint for the future—where innovation, regulation, and collaboration converge to accelerate green shipping. Still, some critics argue that bio-LNG alone may not be the endgame for decarbonization, pointing instead to hydrogen or ammonia as the ultimate zero-emission fuels. So what do you think—will bio-LNG lead the next wave of sustainable maritime energy, or is it merely a stepping stone toward even cleaner technologies? Share your perspective in the comments below.
