Elenger, which describes itself as the largest private energy company in the Baltic-Finnish region, has expanded its operations in Poland to include LNG bunkering services following its first truck-to-ship refuelling operation in the country.

The company completed the refuelling of the RO-PAX NB101 passenger-car ferry on July 6 at the J. Piłsudski Shipyard in Gdansk, using three company-owned tankers to transfer 139 cbm of LNG to the vessel's cryogenic tank.

The ferry, which is under construction and capable of carrying 400 passengers and cars, is equipped with four dual-fuel engines that can run on LNG or diesel. According to the company, these engines are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25% compared to traditional propulsion systems.

Marius Kairys, CEO of Elenger Sp. z o.o., said: "We are delighted with this historic step in the Polish market. This is the result of our specialists' many years of experience in LNG supply and the construction of regasification stations. Now we are transferring these competencies to the bunkering market."

He added: "Thanks to our own fleet of tankers and proven know-how, we can provide shipowners with reliable and ecological fuel, which makes a real contribution to reducing emissions in the Baltic Sea region."

The bunkering operation required extensive preparations, including testing and approval of all power, control, ventilation, and safety systems by classification society DNV. The LNG tank was dried and cooled with liquid nitrogen to -130°C and tested for leaks before the refuelling could proceed.

The NB101 ferry is understood to be currently undergoing Harbour Acceptance Tests (HATs) before sea trials. The purpose of the fuelling was to conduct testing of the ferry's power plant during harbour trials. The vessel is scheduled to be refuelled again with LNG before its sea trials.

Elenger claims to have completed over 6,000 truck-to-ship LNG bunkering operations outside Poland, primarily in the ports of Tallinn, Helsinki, Hanasaari, and Hanko. The company states it was the first in the Baltic region to launch this type of service in 2017.

The company also operates the Optimus bunkering vessel for ship-to-ship operations in the Baltic Sea region.

In Poland, Elenger operates as the second-largest private gas network operator, supplying natural gas and electricity, and offering energy efficiency consulting services.