Axpo’s LNG bunkering vessel Green Pearl enters service at Genoa

Axpo has brought its new LNG bunkering vessel Green Pearl into operation at the Italian port of Genoa, adding capacity to its small-scale LNG and bio-LNG supply network in the Mediterranean.

The 7,500 cubic metre vessel has been commissioned by G&H Shipping Srl, a joint venture between Gas and Heat S.p.A., San Giorgio del Porto Spa and Sofipa Spa, and is chartered by Axpo under a long-term agreement. Green Pearl is designed to carry out both ship-to-ship and ship-to-truck LNG operations, enabling flexible distribution to maritime and onshore customers.

With the vessel now operational, Axpo is expanding its LNG bunkering footprint in the Mediterranean at a time when demand for alternative marine fuels is increasing. Green Pearl is capable of transporting and distributing both LNG and bio-LNG, supporting lower-emission supply chains for shipping and road transport.

The vessel’s ship-to-truck capability allows LNG to be transferred directly to road tankers, reducing the length of the distribution chain and improving delivery efficiency to end users.

Green Pearl was commissioned by Axpo in mid-2023 and is chartered for an initial period of ten years. The vessel was built by a temporary consortium formed by Gas and Heat S.p.A. and the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard. According to the companies involved, the project focused on applying industrial technologies aimed at operational safety, efficiency and emissions reduction.

The vessel will primarily operate along the Italian coastline and in the Western Mediterranean, serving major ports with LNG and bio-LNG bunkering and refuelling services.

Speaking at the launch ceremony in Genoa, Domenico De Luca, Head of Business Area Trading & Sales at Axpo, said:

“Today’s launch marks a milestone for Axpo and for Genoa, strengthening our leadership in small-scale LNG and bio-LNG. By enabling lower-emission solutions and supporting future renewable fuels, Green Pearl reflects our pragmatic approach to the energy transition and reinforces Italy’s role as a regional hub.”

Marco Novella, President of G&H Shipping, said:

“It is with great pride and a sense of responsibility that G&H Shipping officially delivers the new vessel to Axpo as charterer. Today marks the beginning of a long-term partnership, with an initial charter of ten years, which we hope will double over time.”

Daniele Corti, Head of Small-Scale LNG at Axpo, added:

“This innovative vessel is the first of its kind in Europe, and marks the further expansion of our small-scale LNG capabilities in the region. Green Pearl will support the growing demand in the Mediterranean for flexible and efficient bunkering solutions.”

Strategic role in the Mediterranean

Axpo said the deployment of Green Pearl forms part of a broader strategy to develop the maritime small-scale LNG and bio-LNG market, strengthen fuel supply chains in Italian ports and potentially expand operations to other Mediterranean hubs. The company also noted that the vessel supports Italy’s positioning as a regional LNG hub and contributes to energy supply resilience.