This week we loaded for the first time in the Port of Pietarsaari UPM\u2019s pulp onto one of the new dual fuel vessels \u2013 Lady Marie Christine \u2013 which use liquefied natural gas (LNG) or marine gas oil. The pulp will be offloaded in Stetting, Poland and Flushing in the Netherlands, from where the softwood and birch pulp bales will travel to customers in several European countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During 2022 UPM will take into operation seven new state-of-the-art ships for its sustainable sea transportation in Europe. In 2019 UPM entered into a long term charter agreement with the Finnish Bore Ltd and the Dutch Wijnne Barends, both affiliates of the Dutch Spliethoff Group. The first of the new vessels started operating in April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe new vessels running on LNG will consume less fuel than our present fleet of vessels. Through this fleet modernization we are showing our commitment to cutting down our emissions and also helping our customers to do the same. As part of UPM\u2019s continuous focus on sustainability, we are constantly on the lookout for different ways to improve our fleet\u2019s energy efficiency, while reducing emissions and fuel consumption,\" says the Director of Global Break Bulk Shipping at UPM, Lauri Rikala<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using LNG fuel enables UPM to meet the new rules for CO2 emissions. It lowers the total emissions and, along with that, helps compliance with NOX regulations. These modern vessels have also been designed with the digital age in mind, carrying onboard cutting edge technologies to monitor emissions, reduce fuel consumption and help augment the crew's work and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In operating this new fleet UPM is pioneering a new path in the forestry industry, becoming the first company to upgrade its transportation network with environmentally smart vessels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUPM has committed to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of its supply chain by 30% by 2030. As part of our efforts to meet that target, it was crucial for us that we invest in a modern fleet to meet the most stringent environmental requirements. And through these investments we will also help deliver a lower carbon footprint to our customers\u2019 value chains,\u201d says Rikala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n