Norway’s marine energy infrastructure solutions expert Höegh Evi has reported that funds managed by Igneo Infrastructure Partners have sealed deals to acquire a 50% ownership stake in Larus Holding Limited, the 100% owner of Höegh Evi, from funds managed by private infrastructure investment platform Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners (MSIP).

Aequitas Limited will retain its 50% shareholding and long-term commitment as owner in the company. 

To remind, Aequitas is the principal investment holding company of the Høegh family, indirectly owned and controlled by Leif O. On the other hand, Igneo is an autonomous investment team in the First Sentier Investors Group.

Morten W. Høegh, chairman of Höegh Evi, said: “Höegh Evi and Aequitas deeply value the close collaboration we have had with MSIP through an extraordinary period where we strengthened our role as a market leader in LNG infrastructure and key provider of energy security in Europe.

“As we expand our focus to include clean energy solutions, Igneo offers deep expertise and resources to support innovation and further growth, aligning with Höegh Evi’s position as global leader in floating infrastructure for energy security and the transition.”

The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025, but is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Few days ago, Höegh Evi formally transferred ownership of the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) 2014-built Independence to KN Energies and the country of Lithuania, after KN Energies exercised its option to buy.

The company will continue to provide KN Energiés with technical and operational management of the vessel for the next five years, with an option to extend this by a further five years.   

The FSRU unit was commissioned by the Republic of Lithuania in 2014 and was engineered with regasification capacity to fully meet the country’s gas needs.

The deal between Höegh Evi and the Republic of Lithuania provided for the option to acquire and own the FSRU by the end of 2024.

Höegh Evi said “the transfer of ownership to the state underscores Lithuania’s long-term commitment to maintaining this critical asset.”

The president of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, commented that Klaipėda’s LNG terminal stands as a powerful symbol of Lithuania’s political resolve, determination, and commitment to achieving energy independence.