The Baleària fast ferry, Mercedes Pinto, recently achieved a significant operational milestone by conducting its first LNG bunkering directly at its standard berth within the Port of Las Palmas. This event, announced by Baleària, marks an improvement in efficiency compared to previous operations where the vessel had to move to a different location for refueling. The bunkering took place at ramp 4 of the Nelson Mandela dock.
Previously, the Mercedes Pinto, which joined Baleària's fleet in May, received its first LNG supply at the Canary Islands port via a truck-to-ship transfer last month. The ability to refuel at its usual berth simplifies logistics and reduces turnaround times for the ferry.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development signifies enhanced predictability and potentially faster vessel turnaround times at Las Palmas. Eliminating the need for berth changes during bunkering can contribute to more reliable schedules, which is crucial for managing onward connections and delivery commitments. While this specific event is for a ferry, it reflects a broader trend towards more efficient and integrated LNG bunkering operations in ports, which could eventually benefit other vessel types and contribute to overall supply chain fluidity.
