Portsmouth, United Kingdom | October 23, 2025 – In a major advancement for sustainable maritime operations, Brittany Ferries and Titan Clean Fuels have successfully completed the first delivery of liquefied biomethane (LBM/bioLNG) to the hybrid ferry Saint-Malo at Portsmouth International Port. The bunkering was carried out using Titan’s dedicated vessel, the Optimus, marking the first bioLNG operation at the UK port and a significant step forward in decarbonising European ferry transport.
A Shared Milestone in Clean Maritime Innovation
Brittany Ferries described the event as “a successful first in Portsmouth,” celebrating its first-ever delivery of LBM/bioLNG on board the Saint-Malo. The company highlighted that this transaction represents “a concrete step forward in our transition to cleaner maritime propulsion, combining LNG, electricity and now bioLNG.”
The hybrid Saint-Malo, which officially entered service earlier this year, can operate using LNG, battery power, or a combination of both, drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and eliminating sulfur and particulate pollution in port areas. By incorporating biomethane, a renewable gas derived from organic waste, Brittany Ferries advances toward near carbon-neutral operation on its key cross-Channel routes.
“We are proud to take this new step alongside committed partners,” Brittany Ferries shared, “and to continue to explore innovative solutions for more virtuous maritime transport.”
Titan Clean Fuels: Decarbonisation in Action
For Titan Clean Fuels, based in Amsterdam, the delivery underscores the growing maturity of the methane decarbonisation pathway — encompassing LNG, bioLNG, and e-methane — as a scalable, ready-to-deploy route toward net-zero shipping.
“Titan has completed the first delivery of liquefied biomethane to Brittany Ferries’ Saint-Malo during one of its regular bunker calls in Portsmouth International Port,” Titan Clean Fuels shared. “With this LBM delivery, Titan is proud to support the sustainability goals of yet another customer who chooses to lead rather than wait.”
LBM not only reduces lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional marine fuels but also offers full compatibility with existing LNG infrastructure. It can be blended with LNG or e-methane in any proportion, requiring no modification to vessels or bunkering systems — enabling gradual, cost-efficient decarbonisation across fleets.
Titan further highlighted that LBM provides “overcompliance with the FuelEU Maritime regulation”, enabling ship operators to benefit from pooling, banking, and borrowing mechanisms — tools that allow companies to balance and optimise their compliance performance across their fleets over time.
“Our latest LNG and LBM bunkering operation highlights that the methane decarbonisation pathway is not a future promise; it is already delivering environmental performance today,” Titan stated.
Portsmouth International Port: A Hub for Clean Maritime Fuels
The operation reinforces Portsmouth International Port’s emergence as one of the UK’s leading centres for alternative marine fuel innovation. Earlier in 2025, the port hosted the country’s first LNG bunkering — also involving Brittany Ferries’ Saint-Malo and Titan’s Optimus — and is now the site of the UK’s first bioLNG bunkering.
Owned and operated by Portsmouth City Council, the port is progressing toward carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. It will soon introduce a shore power system allowing hybrid and electric ships to operate at berth with zero emissions, further strengthening its environmental credentials.
A Model for Europe’s Green Shipping Transition
The collaboration between Brittany Ferries, Titan Clean Fuels, and Portsmouth International Port exemplifies the integrated approach needed to accelerate the maritime sector’s decarbonisation. By combining infrastructure readiness, renewable fuel innovation, and forward-thinking operators, the partnership demonstrates that low-carbon shipping solutions are not theoretical—they are operational today.
The first LBM/bioLNG delivery to the Saint-Malo signals more than just a technical success; it represents a new chapter in maritime sustainability, setting the stage for broader adoption of renewable fuels across Europe’s ferry and short-sea shipping networks.
About Portsmouth International Port
Portsmouth International Port is one of the UK’s leading ports, playing a crucial role in handling millions of customers and vital cargo across the globe. Owned and operated by Portsmouth City Council, the port has evolved over the years, with plans for further growth. Starting in 1976 with just one route to France, Portsmouth is now known for being Britain’s best-connected port, offering more destinations than any other UK port.
The port has dedicated facilities for cruise customers and handles a wide range of cargo, including project cargo, dry bulk, and fresh produce such as pineapples, sweet potatoes, and bananas. Its strategic location, with fast road connections to London, makes it an ideal starting point for both passengers and cargo.
Portsmouth International Port’s economic impact is considerable, contributing £390 million to the national economy and £189 million to the local economy, while supporting over 5,500 jobs across the region.
About Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries is a French maritime transport company and the largest employer of French sailors. The company operates a fleet of 12 vessels and is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through innovative solutions, such as the use of LNG and hybrid technologies. Brittany Ferries plays a key role in driving economic development and tourism across France, the UK, Ireland, and Spain while striving for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for the shipping industry.
About Titan Clean Fuels
Titan Clean Fuels is a trusted physical bunker supplier of LNG and Bio-LNG to the global maritime and industrial sectors. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Titan provides high-quality, reliable, and environmentally friendly fuel solutions that support the transition to cleaner energy for the shipping and logistics industries.
Titan offers comprehensive LNG and BioLNG bunkering Services, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective fuel delivery worldwide. We are proud to support our clients in meeting their environmental targets, reducing carbon emissions, and achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Source: Titan Clean Fuels