Algeciras Port is now firmly positioned as a benchmark for sustainable maritime operations with the launch of ‘Levante LNG’, a state-of-the-art LNG bunkering vessel. Owned by Enagás through its subsidiary Scale Gas and 50% owned, chartered and commercially operated under exclusivity by Peninsula, a global leader in sustainable bunkering solutions, this advanced vessel began operations in September 2023, providing a cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternative to ships in the Port of Algeciras and its surrounding areas.
The ‘Levante LNG’ project represents a collaborative effort between European and Spanish organizations to reduce maritime carbon footprints. The initiative is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) transport aid programme, which provided €11 million to support its development. This funding forms part of the LNGhive 2 strategy, an effort under the leadership of Puertos del Estado to position LNG as a preferred sustainable fuel for maritime applications in compliance with European Directive 94/2014 on alternative fuels.
On a recent visit to the Port of Algeciras, Stefano Campagnolo, Project Manager at the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), underscored the importance of the ‘Levante LNG’ project for improving air quality and reducing emissions in maritime transport. Campagnolo was joined by notable stakeholders, including:
- Gerardo Landaluce, President of the Port Authority of Algeciras and Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO).
- Fernando Impuesto, Business Development General Manager at Enagás.
- Ignacio de Miguel, Head of LNG, Alternative Fuels & Sustainability at Peninsula.
Their visit marked the official start of operations for the ‘Levante LNG’, highlighting the strong partnership between public and private entities in driving sustainable energy solutions.
Since its commissioning, the ‘Levante LNG’ has demonstrated impressive operational capabilities. By the end of September 2023, it had completed 42 ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operations, delivering a total of 124,000 m³ of LNG within the Port of Algeciras and its influence zone. The vessel, which has a capacity of 12,500 m³, is supplied with LNG from the Enagás regasification plant in Huelva.
As the only LNG bunkering vessel currently operating in Andalusia and one of only three in Spain, the ‘Levante LNG’ has become a critical asset for the region’s maritime decarbonization strategy.
The adoption of LNG as a maritime fuel is a pivotal step toward reducing the environmental impact of shipping. LNG offers several advantages over traditional fuels, including:
- Virtually eliminating sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions.
- Reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 80-90%.
- Lowering carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 20-30%.
Projections indicate that using LNG as a marine fuel in Spain could reduce CO₂ emissions by two million tonnes by 2030, equivalent to removing more than one million combustion vehicles from the roads.
The project also aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO 2020) regulations, which limit the sulphur content in marine fuels to 0.5%. Peninsula has set a benchmark in the industry by ensuring compliance with these stringent standards, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable bunkering solutions.
The ‘Levante LNG’ not only enhances the Port of Algeciras’ role as a logistics and bunkering hub but also sets a precedent for ports worldwide to adopt cleaner and more sustainable energy practices. By promoting LNG, Algeciras contributes to the global effort to decarbonize shipping and improve air quality in maritime regions.
Algeciras Port
The Port of Algeciras, one of the largest and busiest ports in Europe and the Mediterranean, plays a pivotal role in global maritime logistics and bunkering operations. Strategically located at the crossroads of major shipping routes connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas, the port handles over 100 million tonnes of cargo annually and ranks among the top three ports in Europe by total throughput. Algeciras is a critical hub for bunkering services, with an annual fuel supply exceeding 3 million tonnes, including marine gasoil (MGO), very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), and increasingly, liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Its geographical position and extensive infrastructure make it an ideal location for refueling vessels transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, ensuring efficient service for some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. As the maritime industry shifts toward cleaner fuels, Algeciras has been at the forefront of this transition, driven by innovative projects like the ‘Levante LNG’, further solidifying its status as a leader in sustainable bunkering solutions.
About Peninsula
Peninsula is a global leader in marine energy solutions, specializing in the supply of high-quality, sustainable fuels. With a strong commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, Peninsula is at the forefront of the maritime energy transition, delivering solutions that support cleaner and greener shipping operations.
About Scale Gas
Scale Gas, a subsidiary of Enagás, is dedicated to pioneering energy transition projects in Spain and beyond. By developing LNG infrastructure and alternative fuel solutions, Scale Gas supports the global shift toward sustainable energy practices.
About Enagás
Enagás is a leading Spanish energy infrastructure company committed to promoting sustainability and decarbonization. Through its subsidiary Scale Gas, Enagás plays a vital role in advancing the use of LNG and other alternative fuels in the maritime sector.
Source Enagás