Knutsen LNG France Delivers LNG Carrier to Orlen Group

Knutsen LNG France, a subsidiary of Norwegian shipping company Knutsen, has successfully taken over a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier from HD Hyundai Samho Industries’ shipyard in South Korea for delivery to its new charterer, Poland’s Orlen Group.

The LNG carrier, named Józef Piłsudski, was officially handed over to Knutsen LNG France on March 31, 2025. This vessel, along with another LNG carrier Jan Paderewski, was built at the Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries shipyard in Mokpo, South Korea, as part of a long-term charter agreement with Orlen Group.

As per the terms of the agreement signed in April 2022 with PGNiG, now part of Orlen Group, Knutsen will be responsible for the operational aspects of the vessels, including delivery, crewing, and maintenance, while Orlen will have commercial control.

Speaking about the strategic move, Ireneusz Fąfara, President of Orlen’s Management Board, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing Poland’s energy security and independence through diversification of LNG supply and the expansion of their own LNG fleet.

With a cargo capacity of 174,000 cubic meters, both LNG carriers will contribute significantly to Orlen’s LNG transportation capabilities, enabling the transport of approximately 100 million cubic meters of regasified LNG.

Advanced Technical Features

The LNG carriers boast cutting-edge technical solutions designed to optimize operational efficiency. These include integrated power management systems and onboard reliquefaction technology, allowing for the recovery of boil-off gas that naturally evaporates during transit.

Furthermore, the vessels are equipped with dual-fuel engines that can run on marine diesel as well as natural gas, ensuring compliance with current and future environmental regulations governing maritime transport.

Strengthening Energy Security

Orlen’s collaboration with Naftogaz to supply an additional 100 cubic meters of U.S.-sourced LNG to Ukraine underscores the company’s commitment to bolstering energy security in the region. The LNG is set to be delivered to Ukraine in April, following regasification and transport to the Polish-Ukrainian border.