Port of Málaga Completes First Bio-LNG Bunkering Operation

The Spanish Port of Málaga has completed its first bunkering operation using bio-liquefied natural gas, supplying a container vessel operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) with the alternative fuel.

The Liberia-flagged MSC Gabon refueled with bio-LNG at Málaga on September 24, marking a step forward in the port’s efforts to support sustainable operations amid tightening environmental regulations.

Port officials reported that the operation was carried out by the 2021-built 7,500 cubic meter small-scale LNG vessel Avenir Aspiration, chartered by Switzerland-based renewable energy producer Axpo. The bunker ship delivered 3,000 cubic meters of bio-LNG to the 260-meter-long MSC Gabon.

According to the Port of Málaga, Axpo is the first maritime company to execute a ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas transfer in the region.