Advances in Maritime Sustainability: Axpo Leads the First LNG Bunkering Operation in Sines
Advances in maritime sustainability are crucial for the future of the shipping industry. Axpo, a leader in the field, recently executed the first bunkering operation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the port of Sines, Portugal, marking a significant milestone in the European maritime sector.
- This operation supplied 2,700 metric tons of LNG to the container ship MSC Togo.
- It was carried out under simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) in compliance with the strictest international safety standards.
This event not only signifies an advancement in LNG bunkering infrastructure in southern Europe but also aligns with Axpo’s global strategy to promote maritime decarbonization through low-emission fuel solutions.
Daniele Corti, Small-Scale LNG Director at Axpo Solutions AG, expressed pride in leading the LNG charge in Sines and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitating cleaner maritime transport across Europe.
Strategic Collaboration for Success: A Synergy Example
The success of this operation was made possible through close collaboration between key stakeholders in the sector. The Ports of Sines and the Algarve Administration, along with MSC, Avenir LNG, and ERHARDT, played vital roles in the development and execution of this operation.
- The strong cooperation and trust among these players demonstrate how strategic partnerships can facilitate complex bunkering operations.
Collaborations like these are essential not only for operational success but also for setting standards for future LNG bunkering operations across Europe, potentially creating new employment and growth opportunities in the maritime sector.
Axpo’s Expansion in Europe: Leading the Change towards Alternative Energy Sources
Axpo has emerged as a leader in alternative marine fuels in Europe. Leveraging its experience and infrastructure, the company is expanding LNG and bio-LNG bunkering along key maritime corridors, showcasing its long-term strategy to enable cleaner maritime transport.
- In the Central Mediterranean, Axpo played a crucial role in initiating small-scale LNG services at the OLT FSRU Toscana terminal in response to the growing demand for cleaner marine fuels.
In Spain, Axpo has demonstrated its agility and efficiency as a bunkering operator in Algeciras port, reinforcing supply chains in one of Europe’s busiest ports.
Bio-LNG: Accelerating the Transition to Renewable Sources
Axpo’s commitment to sustainable maritime transport extends beyond conventional LNG. Through Axpo Iberia, the company completed its first bio-LNG bunkering operation at Enagás terminals in collaboration with Baleària, a major ferry operator.
- As a certified biogas producer, Axpo is well-positioned to scale up certified renewable LNG in European ports, providing a powerful tool for shipowners to comply with FuelEU Maritime and ETS regulations.
The deployment of bio-LNG not only strengthens Axpo’s sustainability commitment but also represents a significant step towards decarbonizing the maritime sector.
The Role of LNG in the Decarbonization Era
As the maritime industry navigates evolving regulatory landscapes, LNG is becoming a key element in the transition to emissions-free shipping. It offers immediate environmental benefits, including significant reductions in SOx, NOx, and particulate emissions.
- Compared to conventional marine fuels, LNG can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 20-25%, making it a viable option for current environmental regulations compliance.
Its compatibility with bio-LNG or synthetic LNG (e-LNG) offers additional paths to decarbonization. With the development of new Emission Control Areas (ECA) in the Mediterranean, there is a growing momentum to establish the region as a next-generation LNG bunkering hub, with Axpo playing a central role in that transformation.
Axpo: A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainable Energy
Axpo is not only Switzerland’s largest energy producer but also a significant player in global energy trading, operating in over 30 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia. The company focuses on sustainable energy solutions, including renewables, natural gas, and LNG.
- By providing energy products and services to utilities and industrial customers, Axpo actively invests in medium and small-scale LNG infrastructure to support the global transition to cleaner fuels.
For more information on potential job opportunities arising from these initiatives, interested individuals can directly submit their resumes to Axpo and its partners, who are committed to advancing sustainable maritime transport in Europe and beyond.
