Sawgrass LNG & Power has completed the first-ever shore-to-ship LNG bunkering at Port Everglades, fueling the Ritz-Carlton vessel Ilma. This operation establishes South Florida as a primary hub for lower-carbon maritime energy and supports the cruise industry’s transition to sustainable fuels.
Miami | April 7, 2026 – In a major boost to South Florida’s alternative fuel infrastructure, Sawgrass LNG & Power has successfully completed the first-ever shore-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at Port Everglades.
The operation, which took place on March 26, 2026, involved the refueling of the Ilma, a luxury superyacht-style vessel operated by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. This milestone marks the official transition of Port Everglades from a traditional petroleum hub into a multi-fuel port capable of supporting the next generation of cruise and cargo vessels.
The Operation: Shore-to-Ship Precision
Unlike ship-to-ship (STS) transfers which utilize a bunker barge, this shore-to-ship operation utilized land-based infrastructure to deliver LNG directly to the vessel at berth.
- Vessel Profile: The Ilma is a 448-guest ultra-luxury yacht, designed specifically with dual-fuel LNG engines to minimize its environmental footprint in sensitive cruise destinations.
- Logistics & Coordination: The success of the transfer required a massive inter-agency effort to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Key partners included:
- U.S. Coast Guard (Sector Miami)
- Broward County Sheriff’s Office
- REV (Regulatory Compliance Specialists)
- Port Everglades Energy and Innovation Division
“This is a defining moment for Port Everglades,” stated Neil J. Kutchera, Assistant Director of Energy and Innovation at the port. “We are excited to have this lower-carbon fuel available for both landside and waterside delivery, and we applaud Ritz-Carlton and Sawgrass LNG for their commitment to sustainability.”
South Florida’s Green Corridor Strategy
The arrival of permanent LNG bunkering capabilities at Port Everglades is a strategic win for the region. As the second-busiest cruise port in the world, Port Everglades is under increasing pressure to provide “green corridors” for major lines like Ritz-Carlton, Disney, and Carnival, all of whom have invested heavily in LNG-powered fleets.
Daniel McLaughlin, President & Chief Commercial Officer of Sawgrass LNG & Power, emphasized that this is just the beginning “This achievement reflects a shared commitment to safety and operational excellence. We look forward to many future bunkering operations at Port Everglades as we expand LNG as a marine fuel solution in South Florida.”
Technical & Environmental Impact
Compared to traditional heavy fuel oil (HFO) or marine gas oil (MGO), the LNG supplied by Sawgrass offers immediate environmental benefits:
- Sulfur Oxides (SOx): Reduced by nearly 100%.
- Particulate Matter (PM): Reduced by approximately 95%.
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Reduced by up to 85%.
- Greenhouse Gases (GHG): Up to a 23% reduction on a well-to-wake basis.
This operation effectively cements the status of Port Everglades as a key node in the North American ECA (Emission Control Area) compliance network.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: A Fusion of Luxury and Freedom
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection represents the pinnacle of luxury yachting, combining the elegance of The Ritz-Carlton® brand with the freedom of a yachting vacation. The collection includes three custom-built yachts, Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara, each designed to offer unparalleled luxury experiences. The yachts visit unique and distinguished destinations, with most voyages lasting between seven and ten nights, featuring overnight calls and carefully curated onshore experiences.
As with The Ritz-Carlton® hotels on land, each yacht is known for its personalized service, elevated dining, and luxurious amenities. These yachts are also available for private charters, offering a bespoke yachting experience.
About Sawgrass LNG & Power
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Sawgrass LNG & Power is a specialized provider of LNG and gas-to-power solutions. The company serves the southeastern United States and the Caribbean markets, focusing on industrial, commercial, and maritime applications. Their infrastructure includes a proprietary logistics network designed to facilitate rapid-response bunkering for the growing number of LNG-fueled vessels calling at Florida’s major ports.
Source: Sawgrass LNG & Power