The Port of Barcelona, together with Enagás, Knutsen Scale Gas, Shell, and TUI Cruises, has positioned itself as a pioneering low-carbon fueling hub. Their collaboration in executing the first ship-to-ship (STS) bio-LNG bunkering operation at the port marks a major leap in maritime decarbonization.
Barcelona, Spain – August 5th, 2025 – The Port of Barcelona has executed a landmark ship-to-ship (STS) bio-LNG bunkering operation, cementing its role as a central hub in the Western Mediterranean’s maritime energy transition. On July 26, the Mein Schiff Relax, the newest vessel from TUI Cruises, was supplied with 1,875 m³ of renewable liquefied biomethane, marking a pivotal moment for the cruise industry and regional decarbonization efforts. This milestone reflects strategic investments and collaborative partnerships driving a scalable, sustainable future for marine fueling.
From Truck to Ship-to-Ship: A Leap in bio-LNG Bunkering Logistics
This operation for the Mein Schiff Relax represents the second bio-LNG supply carried out at the Port of Barcelona. The first occurred in March when shipping company Baleària loaded bio-LNG onto one of its vessels via tanker truck. However, the use of the Haugesund Knutsen bunker barge—operated by Knutsen Scale Gas and chartered by Shell Marine —marks a significant operational advance, increasing the volume of fuel loaded by more than 15 times and dramatically speeding up the process. This shift to STS bunkering is crucial for the cruise sector, where scale and speed in fueling directly affect tight operational schedules and enable broader adoption of emission-neutral fuels.
The Power of “Kilometer Zero” Bio-LNG: A Circular Fuel Model
Bio-LNG, a “drop-in” fuel chemically identical to fossil LNG, can be used in dual-fuel engines like those on the Mein Schiff Relax without modification. What sets it apart is its sustainability profile: derived entirely from organic waste, bio-LNG reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 70% to 100%. The fuel for this operation was sourced exclusively from the Enagás regasification plant at the port’s Energy Wharf. This “kilometer zero” supply model, certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU) system, ensures third-party verification of the fuel’s traceability and sustainability credentials.
TUI Cruises: Advancing Climate Neutrality by 2050
This first STS bio-LNG bunkering of the Mein Schiff Relax at the Port of Barcelona marks a key milestone in TUI Cruises’ Climate Protection Roadmap, which targets climate neutrality by 2050. The company’s strategy is built around four pillars:
- Increased use of alternative fuels: The Mein Schiff Relax, the first LNG-powered ship in the fleet, serves as a flagship for this transition, operating almost exclusively on LNG. New vessels, including the Mein Schiff 7, are equipped with dual-fuel engines and are prepared for next-generation fuels such as green methanol.
- Green shore power: Connecting to shore-side electricity in ports to reduce emissions.
- Energy efficiency: Enhancing efficiency through catalytic converters, advanced hull coatings, digital routing tools, and cleaning robots.
- Optimized voyage planning: Utilizing data-driven strategies to minimize fuel consumption.
These comprehensive measures illustrate TUI Cruises’ commitment to progressing from transitional fuels toward fully sustainable alternatives.
Collaborative Ecosystem: Industry Leaders Driving Impact
The success of this operation stems from a multi-stakeholder collaboration, each contributing essential expertise:
- Enagás: Operator of the regasification plant, providing the physical and regulatory foundation for the “kilometer zero” model. Their facility’s ISCC EU certification guarantees the sustainability and traceability of the bio-LNG, from organic waste to vessel.
- Knutsen Scale Gas & Shell Marine: Knutsen operates the specialized LNG bunkering barge Haugesund Knutsen, while Shell, as the barge’s charterer, plays a pivotal role in fuel logistics, aligning with their wider strategy to expand LNG bunkering and lower-carbon fuel offerings.
- TUI Cruises: As the end-user, TUI Cruises drives demand and justifies infrastructure investments through its commitment to bio-LNG and next-generation fuels, providing a clear leadership example for the cruise sector.
Barcelona’s Blueprint for Global Maritime Decarbonization
Barcelona’s strategic location and proactive investments in sustainable infrastructure create an ideal testbed for emerging fuel technologies. This bio-LNG bunkering operation, backed by certification and public-private partnerships, offers a replicable model for ports worldwide. As regulations such as the FuelEU Maritime Directive come into effect, Barcelona’s approach demonstrates how strategic planning and collaboration can deliver scalable, sustainable marine fuel supply chains.
The milestone highlights how long-term infrastructure investments, certification frameworks, and coordinated partnerships can operationalize low-carbon fuel supply chains effectively. The port’s “kilometer zero” model—where bio-LNG production, certification, and delivery all occur within the same port complex—serves as a practical and replicable example for ports aiming to lead maritime decarbonization efforts globally.
As regulatory pressure mounts and demand for green fuels grows, Barcelona’s experience offers a clear roadmap for expanding bio-LNG bunkering capabilities and unlocking the full benefits of a circular economy in shipping.
The Port of Barcelona: A Regional Powerhouse in Transition
Situated on Spain’s northeastern coast, the Port of Barcelona is more than a major logistics hub; it is a vital economic engine for the Western Mediterranean. Serving as a key gateway for trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa, it also ranks among the world’s busiest cruise ports. This dual role uniquely positions Barcelona to drive sustainable innovation across cargo and passenger maritime sectors.
Committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050, the port has systematically developed the infrastructure needed to support alternative fuels. The Enagás regasification plant and the permanently stationed Haugesund Knutsen bunkering barge are cornerstone assets in this strategy, providing a flexible, high-capacity LNG supply chain. The port’s readiness for such operations is underscored by LNG fueling accounting for nearly a quarter of vessel calls in 2024—demonstrating clear regional leadership.
Source Port de Barcelona