Orlen energy's fleet joined by two new LNG carriers

"We are building Poland's energy security and independence. We have adopted and are implementing a supply diversification strategy that leverages our own LNG fleet. By next year, it will grow to as many as eight vessels," said Orlen's CEO Ireneusz Fafara, quoted in the press release.

"Meanwhile, our expanding portfolio of long-term contracts with U.S. suppliers strengthens our market position and guarantees the stability of deliveries. As a result, we can provide Polish customers with reliable sources of gas while also supplying neighbouring markets, including Ukraine, thereby reinforcing energy security across the region,” he added.

According to Orlen, the share of seaborne liquefied natural gas in Poland's total gas imports has been steadily increasing. In 2024, LNG accounted for nearly half of all gas brought into the country, with the full volume of 70.22 TWh imported by the Orlen Group.

The vessels are chartered for a period of 10 years, with an option to extend. Each can carry approximately 70,000 tonnes of LNG – equivalent to around 100 million cubic metres of natural gas in its gaseous state, or roughly the weekly consumption of all Polish households.

In line with Orlen's 2035 strategy, natural gas will continue to serve as a key transitional fuel in Poland's and the region's energy transition. Consumption is expected to increase steadily, reaching 27 billion cubic metres within the next decade.

The concern is further expanding its domestic LNG import capabilities. It has reserved the full regasification capacity, i.e. 6.1 billion cubic metres, of the floating LNG terminal currently under construction in the Bay of Gdansk.

This infrastructure expansion will enable Orlen to increase the number of LNG cargoes received annually by as many as 58 shipments.

ao/