Offshore Energy reports that the Port of Málaga has reached a major milestone in its sustainability journey, completing its first-ever bio-LNG refueling operation in collaboration with MSC and Axpo. This landmark moment places Málaga among the growing number of European ports embracing green fuel transition as the maritime industry accelerates its move toward low-carbon operations.
Pioneering a Cleaner Future in Maritime Logistics
During the operation, approximately 3,000 cubic meters of bio-LNG were transferred to an MSC vessel through a ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering process. The refueling was carried out by Axpo using its chartered LNG bunkering vessel Avenir Aspiration, which has a 7,500 m³ capacity.
This marked the first bio-LNG bunkering operation ever conducted at the Port of Málaga — a clear signal of the port’s readiness to handle renewable fuel supply chains and a significant contribution to sustainable maritime operations in Spain.
By enabling this operation, Málaga not only supports global IMO regulations for decarbonization but also strengthens the regional ecosystem for cleaner port logistics and fuel infrastructure.
The Broader Significance for Maritime Stakeholders
For shipowners, seafarers, and policymakers, Málaga’s successful bio-LNG bunkering highlights how renewable fuels are reshaping the shipping industry. It also reinforces the growing importance of maritime safety, proper handling systems, and trained personnel when integrating alternative fuels into port operations.
This event demonstrates how collaboration between port authorities, energy companies, and shipping lines can help accelerate the green fuel transition — paving the way for scalable, safe, and commercially viable clean energy solutions across the maritime sector.
Charting the Course Ahead
The Port of Málaga’s milestone serves as a strong example of how existing port infrastructure can evolve to support the next generation of sustainable shipping technologies. As more ports adopt renewable bunkering capabilities, bio-LNG is poised to become a vital part of the industry’s decarbonization toolkit — bridging the gap between today’s LNG infrastructure and tomorrow’s zero-emission fuels.
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Source: Offshore Energy
