Axpo, a Switzerland-based energy company, has completed its first ship-to-ship (STS) bio-LNG bunkering operation for a Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) vessel in the Port of Barcelona. The Lapis Ace, a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), received fuel from the 7,500 cubic meter (cbm) LNG bunker vessel Green Pearl. This event signifies a notable step in the adoption of alternative marine fuels within the Spanish maritime sector.
This bunkering in Barcelona represents Axpo's third such operation in Spain, following previous fuellings in the ports of Málaga and Algeciras. The consistent execution of these operations demonstrates a growing infrastructure and operational capability for bio-LNG bunkering in the region.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, the increasing availability and use of bio-LNG for vessel bunkering, particularly for car carriers, indicates a positive trend towards decarbonization in shipping. While direct rate impacts are not immediately evident, the broader adoption of alternative fuels like bio-LNG can contribute to carriers meeting stricter environmental regulations, potentially influencing future operational costs and offering more sustainable shipping options for cargo owners. This development supports the industry's shift towards greener supply chains and may lead to more environmentally friendly routing choices.
