Milestone achievement
Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) announced that its pure car‑and‑truck carrier Lake Victoria performed the company’s 700th ship‑to‑ship LNG refuelling on Thursday in Emden, Germany. The event was shared via a LinkedIn post, confirming the vessel successfully took on the fuel at the German terminal.
Ship & Bunker reported that the operation represents the firm’s latest benchmark since it launched LNG bunkering activities in November 2020.
Cumulative LNG transferred since 2020
The cumulative volume of LNG handled by EPS now stands at 2.92 million cubic metres – precisely 2,920,191 m³ according to ship.energy’s coverage of the milestone. Manifold Times echoed this figure, confirming that the total volume has been reached over a period of just under six years.
In addition to the headline 700th transfer, Ship & Bunker noted that EPS had already completed its 600th bunkering operation in April 2026, illustrating a rapid acceleration in activity after the early‑stage rollout.
Growth of EPS’s alternative‑fuel fleet
LNG Prime highlighted that the milestone comes as EPS continues to expand its fleet of LNG‑fueled vessels. The company’s investment in alternate‑fuel capabilities now covers not only pure car and truck carriers but also a growing mix of bulk and container ships equipped for low‑sulphur emissions.
Operational considerations and infrastructure
The Emden bunkering event underlines the strategic importance of European LNG hubs for Asian‑owned operators. Ship‑to‑ship transfers at ports such as Emden provide a flexible alternative to on‑shore fuelling, allowing vessels to top up without diverting from scheduled routes.
EPS’s internal statement – referenced in the LinkedIn post – stressed that achieving 700 bunkering operations reflects “the experience, coordination and commitment of our teams at sea and ashore.” This suggests a mature logistical framework encompassing vessel scheduling, bunker supplier readiness and compliance with safety protocols.
What this means for operators
For ship owners and charterers, EPS’s milestone signals that large‑scale LNG bunkering is becoming routine rather than exceptional. Operators can expect increasingly reliable access to on‑board LNG supplies at major European terminals, reducing the need for lengthy detours to dedicated LNG ports.
The demonstrated volume handling – approaching 3 million m³ in under six years – also provides confidence that the supply chain can support higher‑frequency refuelling schedules, a key factor when planning voyages that aim to meet IMO carbon‑intensity targets. Consequently, operators should consider integrating regular LNG bunkering windows into voyage plans and engage with established bunker providers early to secure slots at hubs like Emden.
