ESL and SSAB extend cooperation

Luleå ESL Shipping and global steel manufacturer SSAB have agreed on a multi-year extension of the agreement covering SSAB’s inbound raw material sea transports within the Baltic Sea and from the North Sea.

In addition, the new contract covers transport of SSAB’s fossil-free sponge iron produced with HYBRIT technology including the possibility of fossil-free shipments. The sea transport volume covered by the agreement is estimated to be 6–7 million tons annually.

“We are extremely pleased to continue our long-term sea transport partnership with SSAB. Our strategy is based on sustainability leadership and together we share the common vision for fossil-free sea transports”, says Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping.

With this agreement, the companies continue the long-term work to improve efficiency and reduce emissions from SSAB’s raw material logistics. ESL Shipping support SSAB in its transition to fossil-free steelmaking. The company announced in October 2024 that it would invest around EUR 186 million in four 17,000 dwt multipurpose vessels, which can operate fossil-free using green methanol.

"SSAB appreciates the long-term collaboration with ESL Shipping, and the recent extension secures the unique needs of coming years' raw material supply for our Nordic operations, with high focus on continuous improvements of energy-efficiency and sustainability”, says Jani Verkasalo, Procurement Director of Raw materials and Energy, SSAB.

ESL Shipping is a carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region. ESL Shipping Ltd has been in business for over 75 years and is a subsidiary of Aspo Plc. The combined fleet of ESL Shipping and AtoB@C Shipping consists of over 40 vessels with cargo capacity ranging from 4,000 to 25,000 dwt.

Lennart Håkansson

editor@northswedenbusiness.com