Port of Leixões, Portugal | September 19, 2025 – In a defining moment for both Portugal’s maritime sector and Europe’s clean energy transition, Molgas Energy Group has successfully completed the first-ever LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Leixões in Porto. This milestone marks the official launch of a permanent LNG supply point in Portugal, placing the country firmly on the map as a key player in the sustainable maritime energy network of Europe.
The operation fueled Ilma, the newly launched ultra-luxury cruise yacht of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, further elevating the significance of this debut. The bunkering was carried out via the Multi-Truck-to-Ship (MTTS) method, ensuring a safe, efficient, and flexible delivery — one of the many advanced logistical capabilities Molgas brings to the table.
Executive Insights: Steering Maritime Sustainability Forward
Fernando Breda, Commercial Director at Molgas Portugal, emphasized the long-term impact of the operation “Regular LNG bunkering operations in Portugal are a major milestone in our journey: a relevant contribution to the decarbonization of ocean mobility, placing Portugal at the forefront, in line with the sustainability policies long followed in other Member States.”
Johannes R. Richter, Molgas Marine Group Leader, added “We’re excited to extend LNG bunkering operations to Portugal, adding another vital link to our flexible European supply network — ensuring cleaner energy is available where and when it’s needed, through multiple infrastructure solutions.”
Captain Rui Cunha of the Port of Leixões reflected on the broader strategic significance “The completion of this first LNG bunkering operation in Portugal marks a historic milestone for the Port of Leixões and for the national maritime energy transition. This achievement is the result of close collaboration and showcases the port’s ability to meet the new demands of sustainability and innovation. We are proud to lead this path and to offer shipping companies cleaner and more efficient solutions for the future of maritime mobility.”
From Amsterdam to Porto: A Growing LNG Footprint
This achievement comes shortly after Molgas’ successful collaboration with Titan to deliver LNG to Ilma at the Cruise Port of Amsterdam — itself the first LNG bunkering at that terminal. These operations are part of Molgas’ strategic initiative to establish a continent-wide LNG and bioLNG bunkering network, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.
What This Means for Portugal and European Maritime Decarbonization
- Permanent LNG supply point established at the Port of Leixões
- First step in a wider rollout of LNG capabilities across Portuguese ports
- Expansion of Molgas’ European LNG infrastructure supporting cleaner maritime fuels
- Strengthened compliance with EU climate and maritime decarbonization targets
This pioneering operation positions Portugal as a key LNG bunkering hub in Southern Europe, and opens new pathways for ship operators seeking cleaner alternatives to traditional marine fuels.
Looking Ahead: Expanding LNG Access Along Portugal’s Coast
Following the successful launch at Leixões, additional Portuguese ports are set to join the Molgas LNG supply network, broadening access to cleaner fuel alternatives along the Atlantic corridor. As the maritime sector continues to evolve, Molgas remains at the forefront of delivering the infrastructure, logistics, and innovation required to power the next generation of green shipping.
Molgas Energy Group in Brief
With over 30 years of experience in cryogenic logistics, Molgas Energy Group is a European leader in the supply of LNG and bioLNG to industrial, mobility, and marine sectors. Operating in over 16 countries, Molgas has built Europe’s most comprehensive low-carbon fuel logistics network, featuring:
- Small-scale liquefaction terminals
- A large fleet of LNG trucks and semi-trailers
- Satellite regasification plants
- Road-fueling and LNG bunkering stations
- BioLNG marine fueling capabilities
Molgas combines energy sourcing expertise, safety, and scalability to deliver clean, cost-effective solutions tailored to customer needs — both onshore and offshore.
Molgas Maritime Operations: Safety, Flexibility, Reach
The company’s Maritime Operations Division provides full-spectrum LNG solutions across the Mediterranean, Baltic, and North Seas, offering:
- Ship-to-ship LNG transfers
- Truck-to-ship and Multi-Truck-to-Ship (MTTS) bunkering
- Terminal-to-ship LNG loading
With a proven track record in technical reliability, regulatory compliance, and environmental leadership, Molgas is a trusted partner for shipping companies navigating the transition to sustainable maritime energy.
Source Molgas Energy Group