Axpo completed Spain’s first STS bio-LNG bunkering for a container vessel at Algeciras, delivering over 4,000 m³ of ISCC-certified fuel to CMA CGM.
Port of Algeciras, Spain – August 7, 2025 – In a groundbreaking development for sustainable maritime fuel supply in Southern Europe, Axpo has successfully completed Spain’s first ship-to-ship (STS) Bio-LNG bunkering operation for a large container vessel. Over 4,000 cubic meters of ISCC-certified Bio-LNG were transferred to the CMA CGM FORT BOURBON at the Port of Algeciras, marking a major milestone in the decarbonisation of international shipping and setting a new benchmark for scalable, low-carbon bunkering operations in the Mediterranean.
This landmark event not only advances Spain’s credentials as a key player in the green maritime transition but also highlights Axpo’s growing leadership in the supply of renewable LNG alternatives for deep-sea shipping. The operation follows a series of successful LNG bunkering activities by Axpo at other strategic Iberian ports, including Málaga and Sines, positioning the company at the forefront of Europe’s marine fuel innovation.
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A New Era of Bunkering: From Infrastructure to Innovation, The Power of “Virtual Liquefaction”
The success of this operation hinges on a transformative shift in supply chain logistics—namely, Axpo’s use of a virtual liquefaction model that significantly enhances the scalability and flexibility of Bio-LNG deployment.
The renewable LNG used in this operation was produced through virtual liquefaction at the Enagás Regasification Plant in Cartagena, a critical Mediterranean LNG infrastructure node. The Bio-LNG was derived from biomethane injected into Spain’s national gas grid, which was then withdrawn, liquefied, and loaded for marine use.
This approach leverages existing gas infrastructure—without requiring new, costly liquefaction terminals dedicated to renewable fuels—and introduces three core advantages:
- Scalability: By repurposing national gas networks, Axpo can deliver renewable fuels to ports across Spain and Portugal efficiently, enabling rapid response to growing demand.
- Operational Flexibility: The virtual liquefaction process can be easily adapted to meet the needs of various bunkering locations, including Algeciras, Málaga, and Sines—without the limitations of fixed LNG production points.
- Certified Sustainability: The Bio-LNG delivered to CMA CGM is fully compliant with the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU) standard, providing third-party verified traceability from biomethane production to final delivery.
The Enagás Cartagena terminal was formally certified under the ISCC EU framework in July 2025, allowing it to play a central role in Europe’s emerging Bio-LNG distribution ecosystem.
Decarbonising Deep-Sea Container Shipping
The bunkering of the CMA CGM FORT BOURBON—a modern, LNG-powered container vessel operated by the global shipping leader CMA CGM—represents more than just a logistical success. It demonstrates the viability of Bio-LNG as a direct replacement fuel for existing LNG marine engines, allowing shipowners to achieve immediate reductions in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions without retrofitting engines or changing fuel logistics.
With the container shipping industry under mounting pressure to comply with the FuelEU Maritime Directive, IMO decarbonisation goals, and the incoming Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations in the Mediterranean, Bio-LNG offers a powerful pathway toward regulatory compliance and environmental leadership.
CMA CGM, which has made significant investments in dual-fuel LNG vessels, now has access to a renewable bunkering solution that aligns with both its climate strategy and operational continuity.
Strategic Perspectives from Axpo
Speaking on the occasion, Daniele Corti, Head of Small Scale LNG at Axpo, emphasized the importance of this milestone within Axpo’s long-term energy transition strategy:
“This operation demonstrates Axpo’s commitment to pioneering sustainable LNG solutions in the Iberian market and actively supporting the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. We are dedicated to expanding our Bio-LNG portfolio to meet the increasing demand for cleaner marine fuels and help our customers achieve their ambitious emissions targets.”
Strategic Collaboration Driving Maritime Decarbonisation
This bunkering operation underscores how cross-sector collaboration is critical to unlocking progress in maritime decarbonisation. The initiative brought together key stakeholders from across the value chain:
- Axpo – As the energy innovator and supplier of certified Bio-LNG
- Enagás – As the infrastructure operator enabling biomethane liquefaction through its Cartagena terminal
- CMA CGM – As the vessel operator demonstrating large-scale demand for sustainable fuels
- Port of Algeciras – As the host and operational platform for Spain’s first ship-to-ship Bio-LNG bunkering for container vessel sector, reinforcing its position as a key hub for green fuel logistics in the Mediterranean
Algeciras and the Mediterranean: Rising to LNG Leadership
As one of Europe’s busiest ports and a key node in global container shipping, Algeciras is now firmly positioned to become a central hub for green LNG bunkering operations. With Bio-LNG availability increasing and regulatory frameworks tightening, the port is likely to see growing volumes of alternative marine fuels.
Furthermore, the Mediterranean’s anticipated designation as an Emission Control Area (ECA) will dramatically accelerate the demand for low- and zero-carbon fuels like Bio-LNG. In this evolving context, Axpo’s successful operation sets a replicable blueprint for other ports and fuel suppliers across Europe and beyond.
Building the Framework for Widespread Bio-LNG Adoption
This operation is not just a one-off success; it’s a proof of concept for the future of sustainable shipping fuels. By combining existing infrastructure, innovative supply models, and certified renewable fuel sources, Axpo has shown that Bio-LNG bunkering is ready for industrial-scale deployment.
The implications for global shipping are clear: the tools to decarbonise already exist, and forward-looking companies are leveraging them to lead the energy transition.
About Axpo
Axpo is Switzerland’s largest producer of electricity and one of Europe’s leading energy trading firms. With a presence in over 30 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia, Axpo develops innovative energy solutions to support the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
The company delivers approximately 40% of Switzerland’s electricity supply and plays a leading role in renewable energy marketing and development. Its team of over 7,000 employees is committed to innovation, impact, and sustainability in every part of the energy value chain.
Source Axpo Holding AG