Stolt-Nielsen Considers Sale of Up to 50% Stake in Avenir LNG

Oslo-listed shipping and logistics group Stolt-Nielsen is evaluating a partial sale of its small-scale LNG subsidiary Avenir LNG, just months after gaining full ownership of the company.

In a filing to the stock exchange, Stolt-Nielsen said its gas shipping arm, Stolt-Nielsen Gas, is currently in discussions with a strategic investor regarding the potential sale of up to 50% of its stake in London-based LNG bunkering operator Avenir LNG.

Avenir LNG Fleet and Operations

Avenir LNG operates five small-scale LNG bunker vessels that are already in service, with two additional vessels under construction, strengthening its position in the growing LNG bunkering market.

Under the proposed transaction, Stolt-Nielsen would retain a significant ownership interest in Avenir LNG. If an agreement is reached, the company plans to jointly own and operate Avenir LNG as a joint venture alongside the incoming partner.

The potential deal remains subject to final contractual documentation and customary regulatory approvals, which are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

Strategic Shift Following Full Takeover

The talks come less than a year after Stolt-Nielsen Gas completed the compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares in Avenir LNG in April 2025, making it a wholly owned subsidiary at the time. The latest move suggests Stolt-Nielsen is now seeking a strategic partner to support future growth and highlight the underlying value of its LNG business.

Analysts Value Avenir LNG at $210m

Shipping analysts at Swedish investment bank SEB have estimated Avenir LNG’s enterprise value at approximately $210 million, based on a 9.0x EV/EBITDA multiple using 2026 forecasts. According to SEB, a transaction at or above this valuation could crystallise the unit’s value and act as a positive catalyst for Stolt-Nielsen’s share price.

Broader Stolt-Nielsen Portfolio

In addition to its LNG activities, Stolt-Nielsen operates a diversified maritime and logistics portfolio, including Stolt Tankers, Stolthaven Terminals, and Stolt Tank Containers, as well as its aquaculture business, Stolt Sea Farm.