Axpo has announced the successful completion of the inaugural liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation for a cruise ship in the Port of Naples, Italy. The ship-to-ship (STS) refueling involved the *Sun Princess*, operated by Princess Cruises, a Carnival Corporation company. The bunkering was carried out by the *Green Zeebrugge*, an LNG bunker vessel with a capacity of 5,200 cubic meters, which had previously been active in the Italian Port of Genoa.
This event signifies a key development in the establishment of alternative fuel infrastructure within Europe's maritime sector. Daniele Corti, Axpo's Head of Small-Scale LNG, highlighted that this operation confirms the readiness and functionality of the alternative fuel supply chain.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, while this specific event concerns a cruise ship, it underscores the broader trend of decarbonization in shipping. The increasing availability of LNG bunkering facilities in major European ports could eventually impact cargo vessels, potentially influencing routing decisions and fuel surcharges as more carriers adopt LNG-powered fleets. It signals a growing commitment to greener shipping practices, which may lead to new regulatory incentives or requirements in the future.
