UPM Launches Spruce Plywood Solution for LNG Carrier Cargo Tanks

Finland, November 19, 2025 – UPM, a global materials solutions company, has introduced a new solution for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers with the launch of WISA®-LNG Spruce plywood. The product is designed for insulation elements in LNG cargo tanks and aims to address growing market demand.

Spruce plywood can now be used in LNG applications without compromising the stringent requirements for safe LNG transportation. The new material has been developed and extensively tested in collaboration with GTT (Gaztransport & Technigaz), a global leader in the transport and storage of liquefied gases and the owner of the technology.

“Maintaining an ultra-cold temperature during transport is essential to keep LNG in its liquid state. Both birch and spruce have great insulation properties as well as durability, dimensional stability, and lightweight construction that help ensure safe transportation of LNG,” said Raija Rautiainen, Product Manager for UPM’s WISA-LNG products.

Thierry Valot, Group Innovation Vice President at GTT, highlighted the benefits of spruce plywood in LNG carrier construction: “Material availability is a key for LNG carrier construction. By enabling the use of spruce plywood, GTT provides its customers with greater available capacity and enhanced procurement flexibility.”

The first applications for WISA-LNG Spruce plywood are in vessels built with Mark III membrane technology. The product complements UPM’s existing WISA-LNG Birch plywood line.

WISA-LNG Spruce utilizes UPM’s WISA® BioBond gluing technology, which replaces at least 50% of fossil-based phenol in the adhesive with lignin, a natural component. This approach reduces the carbon footprint of the product while maintaining required performance standards.

UPM has been supplying plywood for LNG carriers for nearly 60 years. The new product is manufactured at UPM Pellos Plywood Mills in Mikkeli, Finland. With LNG plywood production now spread across three UPM mills, the launch significantly increases the company’s delivery capacity.