Global | October 11, 2025 – Global energy company Shell has unveiled a major expansion of its LNG bunkering fleet, adding four new high-capacity vessels between 2027 and 2028. This move reinforces Shell’s leadership in marine energy solutions amid rapidly growing demand for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and bio-LNG across key international shipping routes.
The expansion includes two vessels with a capacity of 18,000 cubic meters and two larger vessels of 18,900 cubic meters, scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028 respectively. This investment underscores Shell’s commitment to providing scalable, lower-carbon marine fuel alternatives in line with tightening global emissions regulations and the maritime sector’s transition towards net-zero emissions.
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The Methane Pathway: Scalable, Compatible, Decarbonised
Shell champions a methane-based fuel pathway, positioning LNG, bio-LNG, and synthetic LNG (e-LNG) as a flexible, scalable solution to decarbonising the marine sector. These fuels offer a future-ready, drop-in compatible, and scalable alternative to traditional marine fuels.
Key advantages of methane-based marine fuels include:
- Future-ready: Ships currently using LNG can progressively transition to bio-LNG or synthetic LNG, meeting increasingly stringent IMO and EU FuelEU Maritime emissions targets.
- Drop-in compatibility: Fossil LNG, bio-LNG, and synthetic LNG share chemical similarities, enabling seamless blending and use with existing fueling infrastructure.
- Scalability: The expanding global LNG supply chain supports rapid growth and wider adoption across shipping routes.
Environmental Benefits of LNG and Its Variants
Shell’s LNG product portfolio delivers significant environmental improvements over traditional marine fuels such as Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO):
| Fuel Type | Source | Key Environmental Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| LNG | Fossil-based natural gas | Up to 23% reduction in GHG emissions; near-zero SOₓ; reduced PM and NOₓ |
| Bio-LNG | Biogas from organic waste | Lifecycle GHG reductions — in some cases, below zero carbon intensity |
| Synthetic LNG (e-LNG) | Renewable hydrogen + captured CO₂ | Net-zero emissions potential under development |
These fuels not only comply with current environmental regulations but also offer a sustainable, long-term pathway aligned with global net-zero ambitions for 2050.
Shell’s Global LNG Bunkering Network
Shell operates the world’s largest LNG bunkering infrastructure, ensuring broad fuel availability across major international shipping corridors.
Global Bunkering Presence:
- 29 bunkering ports across 13 countries
- 14 LNG bunker vessels (and growing)
- Over 3,000 safe LNG bunkering operations completed
This extensive network is backed by Shell’s comprehensive LNG portfolio, including regasification access, shipping, and storage assets — guaranteeing reliability and consistency in ship-to-ship supply worldwide.
Strategic LNG Bunkering Ports
Shell’s LNG bunkering infrastructure spans key global shipping corridors, providing consistent fuel availability where it matters most:
| Region | Key Bunkering Ports |
|---|---|
| Asia | Singapore (the world’s busiest bunkering hub) |
| US Gulf Coast | Calcasieu, Galveston, Freeport, Corpus Christi |
| US East Coast | Savannah, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, Miami |
| Caribbean | Freeport (Bahamas), Jamaica |
| Europe – North | Skaw, Gothenburg, Bremerhaven, Eemshaven, Flushing, Antwerp, Southampton, Portland, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge |
| Europe – South | La Spezia, Marseilles, Barcelona, Málaga, Algeciras, Gibraltar, Tenerife |
This vast network is supported by Shell’s integrated LNG ecosystem — encompassing shipping, storage, production, and regasification — ensuring dependable supply chains worldwide.
Shell’s LNG Bunker Fleet: Global Reach, Regional Strength
Shell’s fleet reflects a global deployment strategy focused on key trade routes in Asia, North America, and Europe. These vessels enable safe, efficient ship-to-ship LNG bunkering at major ports.
| Region | Vessel Name | Capacity (cbm) |
|---|---|---|
| US Gulf Coast & Caribbean | Avenir Achievement | 20,000 |
| New Frontier 2 | 18,000 | |
| US East Coast | Progress | 12,000 |
| Q-LNG 4000 | 4,000 | |
| Europe – South | Haugesund Knutsen | 5,000 |
| New Frontier 1 | 6,500 | |
| Europe – North | Energy Stockholm | 8,000 |
| Coral Methane | 7,500 | |
| K-Lotus | 18,000 | |
| LNG London | 3,000 | |
| Asia | FueLNG Venosa | 18,000 |
| FueLNG Brassavola | 12,000 | |
| FueLNG Bellina | 7,500 |
Upcoming Fleet Expansion: 2027–2028
To meet surging demand, Shell is expanding its fleet with four new high-capacity LNG bunker vessels currently under construction:
- Two vessels of 18,000 cubic meters, scheduled for delivery in 2027
- Two vessels of 18,900 cubic meters, scheduled for delivery in 2028
These next-generation vessels will bolster Shell’s presence in Asia and other strategic regions, enhancing supply coverage and accelerating the maritime industry’s energy transition.
Decarbonization, Safety, and the Future of LNG in Shipping
LNG as the Pillar of Decarbonisation
Shell’s expanded LNG bunkering fleet, unmatched infrastructure, and strategic partnerships signal that LNG is no longer just a transition fuel—it is the cornerstone of the maritime industry’s sustainable future.
With the growth of bio- and synthetic LNG, the rise of flexible dual-fuel engines, and robust safety records, LNG is evolving from a “bridge fuel” to an integral part of the decarbonization strategy. These developments are positioning LNG as a long-term solution to meet the maritime sector’s net-zero ambitions.
Safety and Engineering: Mastering LNG’s Unique Challenges
One of the defining characteristics of LNG is its storage at -162°C, a unique challenge that Shell meets with cutting-edge engineering and operational practices.
Key technical measures include:
- Advanced insulation systems for cryogenic containment
- Real-time control systems for precise pressure and temperature management
- Boil-Off Gas (BOG) recovery systems, capturing evaporated LNG and converting it into usable fuel, improving energy efficiency
These innovations, combined with Shell’s growing experience, have transformed LNG handling from a perceived risk into a safe and well-established norm across vessel classes.
Future-Proofing Marine Fuels with LNG Infrastructure
Investing in LNG today offers the maritime industry a future-proof solution. Dual-fuel engines in newbuilds can already switch seamlessly between LNG, MGO, VLSFO, and biofuels. As bio-LNG and synthetic LNG production scales, these engines will allow operators to remain compliant with future emissions standards without requiring costly retrofits.
This flexibility helps mitigate the risks associated with fuel availability and regulatory uncertainty, securing a smoother, more sustainable transition for the entire sector.
Global Context: LNG as the Bridge to Decarbonisation
LNG is at the forefront of a global shift in the maritime industry, as regulators and stakeholders push for sustainable alternatives to traditional fuels. According to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform (mid-2025):
- 590 LNG-fueled vessels are already operational worldwide
- 564 additional LNG-fueled ships are on order
- 60 LNG bunkering vessels are now in service, up from just 1 in 2010
- 185 ports globally now offer LNG bunkering services, with another 50 expected by 2026
- Nearly one-third of all new ship orders are LNG dual-fuel capable
These numbers highlight growing industry confidence in LNG’s role as a key transition fuel, as well as its readiness to meet long-term decarbonization goals.
Environmental Advantages: LNG is Leading the Charge
LNG continues to be the most impactful and readily available marine fuel for reducing emissions. Compared to traditional marine fuels, LNG offers:
- Up to 23% reduction in GHG emissions
- 99% less sulfur oxides (SOₓ)
- 85% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOₓ)
- Significantly lower particulate matter (PM)
- Higher energy efficiency, particularly for long-haul and ocean-going vessels
These performance benefits make LNG a crucial component of any shipping company’s decarbonization strategy, delivering immediate results while facilitating the transition to future zero-emission fuels.strategy—delivering immediate results while enabling a smooth transition to future zero-emission fuels.
Conclusion: LNG as the Foundation for Shipping’s Green Transition
Shell’s expansion of its LNG bunker fleet, coupled with its unrivaled global infrastructure and commitment to scalable, future-compatible fuels, positions LNG at the heart of maritime decarbonization efforts. With over 1,100 LNG-fueled vessels either operational or on order, an expanding number of ports offering LNG bunkering, and bio- and synthetic LNG solutions advancing rapidly, the pathway to net-zero shipping is clearer and more achievable than ever.
As regulatory pressures increase and industry stakeholders demand sustainable solutions, LNG is emerging not only as a bridge fuel but also as a foundational pillar for the long-term transformation of global shipping.
About Shell
Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in London and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 70 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects.
About Shell Marine
Shell Marine, a leading global supplier of marine fuels and lubricants, plays a vital role in enabling the maritime sector’s transition to cleaner energy. The company offers comprehensive LNG and low-carbon fuel solutions, leveraging its extensive global network, technical expertise, and innovation pipeline.
With 29 bunkering hubs, 14 dedicated LNG bunkering vessels, and more than 3,000 LNG operations completed, Shell Marine is a trusted partner for shipping companies aiming to decarbonise efficiently and effectively. The company is also actively exploring future fuels, including bio-LNG, synthetic e-methane, hydrogen, and ammonia, to support long-term climate goals.
Source: Shell Marine