The Port of Tenerife recently completed its first truck-to-ship (TTS) liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation. This event involved Baleària's fast ferry, the Mercedes Pinto, receiving fuel at the Anaga Dock pier. The bunkering process, managed by ESK, SA, utilized two tanker trucks to deliver 600 MWh of LNG at a pumping rate of 700 liters per minute.
This operation signifies a notable advancement in the adoption of alternative marine fuels within the Canary Islands. The use of LNG helps reduce emissions compared to traditional marine fuels, aligning with broader industry efforts towards decarbonization.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, the availability of LNG bunkering infrastructure in ports like Tenerife indicates a growing trend towards cleaner shipping. This could influence carrier choices for routes serving the Canary Islands, potentially leading to more LNG-powered vessels being deployed in the region. Increased access to alternative fuels might also contribute to more stable long-term operational costs for carriers, which could indirectly impact freight rates. Forwarders should monitor the expansion of such infrastructure as it supports sustainability goals and can affect vessel scheduling and capacity in specific trade lanes.
The successful execution of this TTS operation may encourage further investment in LNG bunkering facilities and the deployment of more LNG-fueled vessels in the region, supporting the transition to lower-emission maritime transport.
