UPM strengthens its position as a supplier for liquefied natural gas carriers by introducing WISA-LNG Spruce plywood, a new solution for the insulation elements of LNG cargo tanks. The company reports that the demand for LNG plywood is increasing, and spruce can now be used as LNG plywood material without compromising technical and safety requirements, according to UPM.
The new product has been developed and extensively tested in collaboration with Gaztransport & Technigaz, a global company specializing in the transport and storage of liquefied gases.
UPM states that maintaining ultra-cold temperatures is essential during LNG transport to keep gas in liquid form. Both birch and spruce plywoods provide insulation, durability, dimensional stability, and lightweight construction for safe transportation.
Gaztransport & Technigaz confirms that using spruce plywood increases available material capacity and procurement flexibility for shipbuilders constructing LNG carriers.
The first application for WISA-LNG Spruce plywood will be in vessels built with Mark III membrane technology. The product complements UPM’s existing WISA-LNG Birch plywood line.
WISA-LNG Spruce plywood uses WISA BioBond gluing technology, which replaces at least 50% of fossil-based phenol in the adhesive with lignin, a natural binding component. The company notes that this change reduces the product’s carbon footprint while maintaining performance.
UPM has produced plywood for LNG carriers for nearly 60 years. With production of WISA-LNG Spruce now established at UPM Pellos Plywood Mills in Mikkeli, Finland, LNG plywood manufacturing is distributed across three UPM mills, increasing total delivery capacity.
