Baleària, Spain’s leading ferry operator, and Axpo Iberia, a leading biogas producer, have successfully completed their first bioLNG (bio-liquefied natural gas) supply operations at the Enagás terminals in Huelva and Barcelona. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the decarbonization of the maritime transport sector, advancing efforts to reduce carbon emissions in line with European sustainability goals.
Pioneering BioGNL Supply Operations
The successful operations involved the first-ever bioLNG supplies from Enagás‘ regasification terminals, a part of a groundbreaking service designed to support the European decarbonization targets. On Monday, the Huelva terminal facilitated bioLNG supply to the port of Málaga, where Baleària operates the route to Melilla with its innovative ferry, Rusadir. Today, the Barcelona terminal provided bioLNG to the fast ferry Margarita Salas, which connects Barcelona with Mallorca and Menorca.
These operations marked the first time bioLNG—supplied by Axpo and certified with sustainability certificates—was directly loaded onto ships. This was made possible by the recent adaptation of the Enagás terminals to handle bioLNG, which is produced from biomethane injected into the gas network and processed into its liquid form. Baleària and Axpo have demonstrated the feasibility of establishing green corridors between European ports, and even connecting two continents, as seen in the Alboran Sea route.
Baleària’s Commitment to Carbon Reduction
Georges Bassoul, CEO of Baleària, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “These supplies represent a step forward in our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.” He also recalled that four years ago, Baleària conducted its first pilot journey with a fast ferry using 100% renewable fuel in Europe. Bassoul added, “We plan to increase the use of this energy across our fleet, which will allow us to undertake decarbonized voyages.”
Baleària has long been committed to an eco-efficient fleet strategy, using dual-fuel gas engines—technology it has supported for nearly a decade. These engines enable the company to use 100% biomethane and up to 25% green hydrogen blends, all renewable gases that are CO2-neutral. Baleària currently operates a fleet of 11 ships with dual-fuel engines and is also a pioneer in the use of electric propulsion, with two vessels running on electric power.
Axpo’s Role in Pioneering BioLNG Supply
Axpo, the first company to commercialize biomethane in Spain back in 2015, has solidified its position as a key supplier of biometano and bioLNG, supporting the maritime sector’s decarbonization efforts. Axpo’s bioLNG is produced from biomethane sourced from organic waste treatment plants, including the Noguera Renovables facility in Lleida, which is the first in Spain to produce biomethane from cattle waste. Additionally, organic waste from Madrid’s Valdemingómez Technological Park is also utilized to produce biomethane.
Jacobo Canseco, Director of Green Energy at Axpo Iberia, emphasized the importance of this achievement: “This milestone underscores Axpo’s strong commitment to the decarbonization of maritime transport, betting on biomethane and bioLNG as alternative fuels to help meet European objectives in the energy transition.”
Towards a Decarbonized Future
This partnership between Baleària and Axpo highlights the growing role of bioLNG in helping the maritime sector transition towards sustainable fuels. The successful supply of bioLNG to these vessels demonstrates the practicality of using renewable gases to reduce the carbon emissions of ships operating on key Mediterranean routes.
Axpo’s ongoing efforts in promoting biomethane and bioLNG as viable fuels for the maritime industry align with the European Union’s ambitious goals for a decarbonized future. These operations are key to achieving the 2030 sustainable development objectives set by Europe and reinforce the importance of green technologies in achieving long-term environmental goals.
This breakthrough marks just one of many steps in Baleària’s broader strategy to reduce its environmental impact while continuing to provide reliable and efficient maritime services. As the company continues to adapt its fleet with cutting-edge technologies, Baleària is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable maritime transport.
About Baleària
Baleària is a global leader in sustainable maritime transport, operating a fleet of eco-efficient vessels and driving innovation in LNG adoption. The company is committed to enhancing connectivity between the mainland and the Balearic Islands while prioritizing environmental stewardship and passenger comfort.
Source Baleària