The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife successfully completed its first Multi-Truck-to-Ship (MTTS) liquefied natural gas bunkering operation, supplying 600 MWh to Baleària’s high-speed eco-efficient ferry Mercedes Pinto. Executed by ESK Gas Logistics, the milestone expands the port’s alternative fueling capabilities beyond traditional ship-to-ship methods. This operational breakthrough supports Baleària’s decarbonization roadmap for its dual-fuel fleet while marking ESK’s expanding LNG service network across 19 ports.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, September 10, 2026 – The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has completed its first operation to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) directly to a vessel using tanker trucks, marking a new step in the port’s efforts to support cleaner marine fuels and the energy transition.
The operation involved Baleària’s fast ferry Mercedes Pinto and introduced the Multi Truck to Ship (MTTS) bunkering method, which allows several tanker trucks to supply LNG simultaneously to a vessel’s fuel tanks. The operation began at around 12:30 p.m. at the Anaga Dock pier. ESK, S.A., the company responsible for providing the LNG bunkering service, supplied approximately 600 MWh of LNG using two tanker trucks, achieving a combined pumping rate of 700 liters per minute.
Key Operational Highlights
- Location: Anaga Dock pier, Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Vessel: Baleària’s high-speed eco-efficient ferry Mercedes Pinto.
- Bunkering Method: Multi-Truck to Ship (MTTS) utilizing two tanker trucks simultaneously.
- Volume & Rate: 600 MWh supplied at a total pumping flow of 700 liters per minute.
- Key Stakeholders: Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, shipping group Baleària, and logistics fuel operator ESK, SA.
Expanding the Port’s Bunkering Matrix
The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has significantly enhanced its marine fuel infrastructure. While the port previously supported Ship-to-Ship (STS) LNG supply, this operation marks its formal debut for land-based Truck-to-Ship (TTS) and Multi-Truck-to-Ship (MTTS) modalities.
By introducing MTTS, which enables simultaneous fuel transfer from multiple tanker trucks directly into a vessel’s tanks, the port can achieve higher delivery speeds and operational flexibility. This diversification ensures that shipping operators like Baleària have robust alternative bunkering options tailored to tight turnaround schedules.
“This new modality responds directly to Baleària’s operational needs in Tenerife, advancing a strategic line of work linked to sustainability, innovation, and the broader maritime energy transition.”
Meticulous Safety and Coordination
Executing a first-of-its-kind multi-truck bunkering operation requires intense multi-agency coordination. The success of the Mercedes Pinto supply was driven by months of preparation among the Port Authority, Baleària, and fuel supplier ESK, SA.
Rigorous protocols established for the operation included:
- Comprehensive risk analysis tailored to the Anaga Dock pier pontoon.
- Strict emergency response and action protocols.
- Enhanced on-site coordination and safety measures to monitor the 700 liters-per-minute pumping flow.
Following the successful execution, ESK Gas Logistics released a statement celebrating the milestone:
“We successfully completed our first LNG MTTS Bunkering operation in the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Thank you very much to the Autoridad Portuaria de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puertos de Tenerife and Baleària for the trust placed in our company. There are already 19 ports where we have provided these services and we continue to work to expand to more. Congratulations to our ESK Team”
Baleària’s LNG-Powered Mercedes Pinto
The Mercedes Pinto is 123 meters long and 28 meters wide, with capacity for approximately 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles. The fast ferry can reach speeds of up to 35 knots and is designed for fast, efficient and comfortable service. The vessel is the 12th ship in Baleària’s fleet equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of operating on natural gas and biogas. Baleària has identified renewable biogas as a pathway toward CO₂-neutral operations as part of its broader decarbonization strategy.
The introduction of truck-based LNG bunkering at Santa Cruz de Tenerife provides another infrastructure option for such vessels and reflects the port’s efforts to adapt its services to the changing fuel requirements of the maritime sector.
Port Profile: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Strategically positioned as a premier maritime hub in the North Atlantic, the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife serves as a vital energy and bunkering nexus connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Puertos de Tenerife), the port handles close to half a million tons of marine fuel annually, offering round-the-clock availability for traditional fuels like MGO and VLSFO alongside advanced alternative solutions such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Backed by high-operability anchorages, robust infrastructure, and expanding multi-modal delivery options, including both Ship-to-Ship (STS) and newly integrated Truck-to-Ship (TTS/MTTS) capabilities, the port continues to reinforce its commitment to safety, innovation, and the global maritime energy transition.
Source: Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife