Axpo, a leading Swiss energy company and key player in LNG trading and distribution, has played a pivotal role in the successful commissioning of small-scale LNG services at the OLT FSRU Toscana terminal. This milestone establishes OLT as the first terminal in Italy equipped to load and unload LNG for small-scale carriers, significantly boosting LNG bunkering capabilities and supporting the expansion of cleaner, more flexible marine fuel solutions across the Mediterranean.
“This achievement represents an important contribution to the decarbonization of the maritime sector, especially following the recent designation of the Mediterranean as a Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA). Using LNG and Bio-LNG as marine fuels significantly reduces CO₂, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter emissions,” said Daniele Corti, Head of Small Scale LNG at Axpo Solutions AG.
Daniele Corti expressed deep appreciation to the OLT Offshore LNG Toscana and Avenir LNG Teams for their excellent collaboration and dedication to the project.
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The Strategic Role of LNG Bunkering in Maritime Fuel Transition
LNG bunkering — the process of refueling ships with liquefied natural gas — has become central to maritime decarbonization strategies. Unlike traditional marine fuels, LNG drastically reduces sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Bio-LNG, a renewable version derived from organic waste, takes this even further with carbon-neutral potential.
With global shipping under increasing pressure to cut emissions, ports across Europe are racing to scale LNG bunkering capabilities. The availability of small-scale LNG terminals, such as the upgraded OLT Toscana, enables flexible fuel delivery to vessels and isolated coastal areas, critical for building a sustainable marine fuel supply chain.
Mediterranean SECA Designation: A Catalyst for Cleaner Marine Fuel
The Mediterranean Sea’s recent designation as a Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will come into effect in 2025. Under these regulations, ships must use fuels with sulphur content no higher than 0.10%, aligning with Northern Europe’s established ECA zones in the North and Baltic Seas.
This regulatory shift is expected to dramatically boost demand for LNG and Bio-LNG as viable compliance options. Axpo’s new small-scale LNG operation positions Italy and the wider Mediterranean to meet these upcoming fuel requirements, offering shipowners alternative bunkering points beyond Northern Europe.
Italy Sets National Framework for Unified LNG and Bio-LNG Bunkering at All Ports
Coinciding with this development, the Italian government recently issued a comprehensive set of national guidelines for ship-to-ship LNG and Bio-LNG bunkering operations. These guidelines standardize safety protocols, operational procedures, and environmental requirements across all Italian ports, eliminating fragmented local regulations that previously created uncertainty for operators.
This unified framework is designed to facilitate investment, accelerate LNG adoption, and support Italy’s strategy to become a regional LNG bunkering hub, especially under the pressure of SECA compliance and EU Fit for 55 targets.
Axpo Expands LNG Bunkering Operations Across Southern Europe
Axpo’s role in Italy is just one part of its broader strategy to lead LNG bunkering infrastructure in Europe. In Spain, Axpo has recently carried out multiple LNG bunkering operations at major ports including Barcelona, Cartagena, and Valencia, leveraging its long-term LNG supply portfolio and flexible trading capabilities.
With over 25 LNG cargos imported annually to Europe, and nearly two decades of experience in cross-border gas and LNG trading, Axpo is emerging as a key facilitator of low-carbon marine fuel. Its activities span both spot trading and structured supply contracts, tailored to shipping companies, utilities, and energy-intensive industries.
As more ports across Europe embrace small-scale LNG, companies like Axpo are poised to drive the infrastructure and supply-side evolution that the maritime sector urgently needs.
Infrastructure, Regulation, and Private Innovation Align
The commissioning of small-scale LNG services at the OLT FSRU Toscana terminal isn’t just a local achievement — it reflects the convergence of private sector capability, regulatory foresight, and growing environmental mandates. Axpo’s contribution reinforces the company’s role not just as an energy trader, but as a critical infrastructure enabler for Europe’s clean fuel transition.
With SECA coming into force, unified bunkering guidelines in place, and growing LNG momentum in Spain and Italy, the Mediterranean is now solidly on course to become the next LNG bunkering stronghold — and Axpo is clearly helping lead the charge.
About Axpo
Axpo is Switzerland’s largest energy producer and a leader in energy trading, with a strong focus on renewable energy solutions. Operating in over 30 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia, Axpo is dedicated to enabling a sustainable future through innovative energy solutions. The company is actively involved in midstream and downstream natural gas and LNG sectors, serving a diverse customer base ranging from SMEs to large industrial enterprises.
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