Swiss energy group Axpo has successfully completed its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at the Port of Valencia, Spain, on 13 October 2026. The event marks a significant milestone for Axpo’s expanding LNG refuelling network in Spain.
Details of Operation
The ship-to-ship bunkering involved Axpo's Alisios bunker vessel, which has a capacity of 12,500 cubic metres (cbm). According to Ports Europe, the operation saw bio-LNG accounting for more than half of the fuel supplied to an unnamed container vessel. This innovative approach aligns with global efforts towards cleaner maritime operations.
Strategic Importance
The choice of Valencia as the site for this pioneering bunkering event underscores its strategic importance in the European shipping landscape. As reported by Ports Europe, Valencia is Spain's largest port for container traffic and ranks fifth-busiest for container handling in all of Europe.
Axpo’s Future Plans
Daniele Corti, Axpo’s Head of Small-Scale LNG, highlighted the significance of this operation. “As Spain’s largest port for container traffic and the fifth-busiest container port in Europe, Valencia is a strategically important location,” he stated in an interview with ship.energy.
Axpo has ambitious plans to expand its presence across key ports within Spain and beyond. The company aims to leverage its existing LNG infrastructure and supply chains to support further growth in LNG bunkering operations.
Comparative Analysis
The successful operation by Axpo is noteworthy given the increasing competition in the LNG bunker market. Another prominent player, Vitol, announced earlier this month that its new 12,500 cbm Vivit Asia LNG will begin serving customers from late 2026. According to a statement on ship.energy, Vitol’s new vessel will operate with a fully contracted regional supply chain and an expanding fleet of LNGBVs scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Despite the growing number of players entering the LNG bunker market, Axpo's bio-LNG mix sets it apart from competitors. The high proportion of biologically derived natural gas not only reduces carbon emissions but also aligns with stricter environmental regulations across the maritime industry.
What This Means for Operators
The completion of this operation highlights a growing trend in the shipping sector towards cleaner fuel alternatives. For ship operators, investing in LNG-capable vessels and infrastructure could become increasingly important as regulatory bodies continue to tighten emission standards. Additionally, partnering with established providers like Axpo can offer reliable access to bio-LNG blends that comply with environmental regulations while reducing operational costs associated with traditional bunker fuels.
Operators looking to transition towards cleaner fuel options should consider the strategic locations of LNG bunkering facilities and the competitive offerings from various suppliers in their route planning. Engaging early with providers like Axpo can also ensure seamless integration of new technologies and compliance with evolving regulations, ensuring a smoother operational journey into the future.
Related coverage
This article was produced with the assistance of an AI system and reviewed by the editorial team before publication. Sources are listed below.
Equipment mentioned — technical data
- Container Systems — equipment category
- Gas Carrier Systems — equipment category
Topics: LNG, methanol and ammonia as marine fuels
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