French container carrier CMA CGM and Italian energy provider Edison have successfully completed Italy’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation at the Port of Trieste. The milestone marks a major step toward advancing cleaner marine fuel adoption and expanding LNG bunkering infrastructure in Italian ports.
A Milestone for Italy’s Maritime Energy Transition
In the landmark operation, Edison’s Ravenna Knutsen (IMO: 9874040) refuelled CMA CGM Salamanque (IMO: 9961348), a 2,000 TEU dual-fuel containership capable of running on both marine diesel and methane. The Ravenna Knutsen, a French-flagged LNG carrier built by HD Hyundai in 2021, played a central role in this initiative. Edison described the event as a demonstration of its operational flexibility and readiness to support Italy’s growing LNG market.
Fabrizio Mattana, Edison’s Executive Vice-President of Gas Assets, emphasized that the Adriatic’s first containership bunkering reflects the company’s ability to open new market segments and support Italy’s energy transition goals. Edison is expected to further strengthen its LNG bunkering capabilities following this successful operation.
Edison’s Expanding LNG Portfolio and Emerging Challenges
This achievement comes shortly after Edison signed a 15-year LNG supply deal with Shell, securing 700,000 tonnes per year of US LNG starting in 2028. Edison currently imports 14 billion cubic meters of LNG annually from multiple sources including Qatar, Libya, the US, Algeria, and Azerbaijan.
However, the company faces potential supply uncertainties as Qatar has threatened to halt LNG exports to Europe amid concerns over the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. Given that nearly half of Edison’s LNG imports come from Qatar, any disruption could challenge its ability to maintain stable LNG supplies for European markets, including bunkering operations.
The successful Trieste bunkering between CMA CGM and Edison marks a turning point for Italy’s maritime decarbonization journey. While Edison strengthens its position as a leading LNG bunker supplier, geopolitical developments and sustainability regulations could influence future supply dynamics. Nonetheless, this pioneering operation signals Italy’s growing commitment to clean fuel adoption and energy diversification within its maritime sector.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
