ESL Shipping Secures Long-Term Agreement with Stegra

ESL Shipping, a Finnish maritime transport company, has secured a significant agreement with Stegra, a Swedish firm building a large-scale plant for the production of near-zero-emission steel. The agreement, signed on September 14, 2026, marks a crucial step in establishing a long-term partnership between the two companies.

ESL Shipping, which is currently investing in a fleet renewal programme, will provide reliable maritime logistics for the transport of raw materials and finished steel products. The company is in the process of acquiring twelve 5,400 dwt Green Coaster vessels and four 17,000 dwt Green Handy vessels, all equipped with methanol dual-fuel propulsion, to support its sustainable operations.

Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating, "Securing a long-term agreement with Stegra is an important achievement for ESL Shipping. We are pleased to support Stegra with reliable maritime logistics and look forward to building a successful long-term partnership."

Stegra, founded in 2020 as H2 Green Steel and renamed in 2024, is currently constructing its first large-scale plant for the production of green hydrogen, green iron, and green steel in Boden, Sweden. The company aims to decarbonize the hard-to-abate steel industry and is committed to sustainability and environmental goals. Jenny Marin, Head of Logistics at Stegra, highlighted the importance of having the right partners in place, saying, "Maritime transport is a critical part of our logistics network, and having the right partners is essential to our success. ESL Shipping’s experience in Northern Europe and our shared ambition for decarbonization and sustainability make the company an important partner in the seagoing supply chains supporting our operations in Boden."

The agreement between ESL Shipping and Stegra underscores the growing importance of sustainable maritime transport in the industrial sector. Aspo Plc, the parent company of ESL Shipping, is focused on creating value through sustainable business operations. The partnership is expected to strengthen ESL Shipping’s position as a trusted maritime transport partner for industrial customers in Northern Europe.

With the implementation of its fleet renewal programme, ESL Shipping is well-positioned to meet the demands of Stegra and other industrial clients. The company’s commitment to green technology and sustainable practices aligns with Stegra’s goals, ensuring a robust and environmentally friendly supply chain for the future.