SINES, PORTUGAL – 05, July 2025, Axpo Solutions AG, the Swiss energy company, has successfully conducted the first-ever ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Sines, supplying 2,700 metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the container vessel MSC Togo. Carried out under Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS), the transfer adhered to the highest international safety and operational standards.
The operation represents a significant development for LNG bunkering infrastructure in Southern Europe and aligns with Axpo’s broader strategy to support maritime decarbonisation through scalable, low-emission fuel solutions.
“We’re proud to pioneer LNG bunkering at Sines and remain committed to enabling cleaner shipping across Europe. This operation is a direct result of coordinated professionalism across all partners,” said Daniele Corti, Head of Small-Scale LNG at Axpo Solutions AG.
Strategic Collaboration Driving Success
The achievement was made possible through close coordination between key industry stakeholders:
- APS – Administração dos Portos de Sines e do Algarve
- MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company
- Avenir LNG
- ERHARDT
“We are especially grateful to APS for their strong cooperation; to MSC for their continued trust and professionalism; to Avenir LNG for their exceptional partnership; and to ERHARDT for their tireless support in making every complex request possible,” Corti added.
Axpo’s Expanding LNG and Bio-LNG Bunkering Footprint in Europe
Axpo has emerged as a driving force in advancing the European alternative marine fuels landscape, leveraging its expertise and infrastructure to expand LNG and bio-LNG bunkering across key maritime corridors. The company’s recent achievements demonstrate a clear, long-term strategy focused on enabling cleaner shipping through both conventional and renewable liquefied gas solutions.
Italy: Opening New Access Points for Small-Scale LNG
In the Central Mediterranean, Axpo played a pivotal role in the successful commissioning of small-scale LNG services at the OLT FSRU Toscana Terminal. This initiative significantly enhances regional access to LNG as a marine fuel, addressing growing demand from operators seeking to comply with EU and IMO emissions regulations.
Spain: Establishing Operational Leadership in STS Bunkering
In Spain, Axpo has swiftly established itself as a capable and agile operator in the LNG bunkering segment. The company executed its first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering at the Port of Algeciras, followed by a key delivery to MSC, one of the world’s largest container lines. These operations underscore Axpo’s ability to execute complex bunkering logistics while reinforcing supply chains in one of Europe’s busiest maritime gateways.
Accelerating Renewable LNG: Bio-LNG Deployment
Axpo’s commitment to sustainable shipping goes beyond conventional LNG. Through Axpo Iberia, the company has delivered its first bio-LNG bunkering operation at the Enagás Terminals, in collaboration with Baleària, a leading ferry operator. As a certified biogas producer, Axpo is well-positioned to scale ISCC-certified renewable LNG across European ports—offering a powerful tool for shipowners to achieve FuelEU Maritime and ETS compliance.
Infrastructure Investment and Strategic Growth
With more than 100 LNG cargo deliveries to Europe to date, Axpo has identified marine fuel bunkering as a core growth pillar within its LNG business. The company has also commissioned a dedicated small-scale LNG bunkering vessel, strengthening its ability to deliver flexible, port-to-ship solutions across expanding European markets.
These coordinated efforts position Axpo not only as a reliable energy provider but also as a strategic enabler of the maritime sector’s energy transition—integrating transitional and renewable fuels into real-world logistics at scale.
LNG in the Decarbonisation Era
As the maritime industry navigates an evolving regulatory landscape—including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, and the IMO GHG Strategy—LNG is playing an increasingly pivotal role in bridging the transition to zero-emission shipping.
LNG, while transitional, offers immediate environmental benefits, including:
- Significant reduction in SOx, NOx, and particulate matter (PM) emissions
- Up to 20–25% lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional marine fuels
- Compatibility with bio-LNG or synthetic LNG (e-LNG) for extended decarbonisation pathways
With new ECA (Emission Control Area) developments in the Mediterranean, momentum is growing to establish the region as a next-generation LNG bunkering hub—and Axpo is playing a central role in that transformation.
About Axpo
Axpo is Switzerland’s largest energy producer and a leading energy trader with a strong international presence. Operating in over 30 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia, Axpo is focused on sustainable energy solutions, including renewables, natural gas, and LNG. The company provides energy products and services to utilities, industrial enterprises, and commercial customers, and is actively investing in midstream and downstream LNG infrastructure to support the global transition to cleaner fuels.
Source AXPO Solutions AG