Axpo and MSC Make History with First-Ever LNG Ship-to-Ship Transfer in Málaga
In a groundbreaking move that’s set to redefine maritime energy logistics, Swiss renewable energy powerhouse Axpo has just pulled off a first-of-its-kind operation at the Port of Málaga. Teaming up with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Axpo successfully fueled one of MSC’s container ships with 2,800 metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in a seamless ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation. This isn’t just a win for Axpo and MSC—it’s a milestone for Spain’s maritime industry, marking the first-ever STS LNG transfer at Málaga and the country’s inaugural simultaneous operations (SimOps) for a boxship. Translation: while the ship was being loaded and unloaded, it was also being powered up with cleaner fuel. Talk about multitasking.
The operation, which took place in mid-March 2025, was made possible thanks to a vessel chartered from Avenir LNG, a UK-based leader in midstream LNG and BioLNG solutions. Axpo’s Head of small-scale LNG, Daniele Corti, praised the collaboration, saying, “We’re thrilled with the support from local authorities in Málaga, which helped us achieve this milestone and secure commercial authorization for LNG supply.” Domenico de Luca, Axpo’s Head of Trading & Sales, added that LNG bunkering is a “game-changer for slashing greenhouse gas emissions in shipping,” positioning it as a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for the industry.
Why LNG is the Future of Maritime Fuel
Axpo’s move isn’t just a one-off experiment—it’s part of a global shift toward cleaner maritime fuels. According to Clarkson’s 2023 data, 185 ports worldwide already offer STS LNG transfers, with 50 more facilities slated to come online by the end of 2025. Spain, in particular, is a hotbed for this transition, and Axpo is doubling down on its presence there. The company has its sights set on expanding its small-scale LNG services to other major Spanish ports, including Algeciras, Valencia, and Barcelona. To support this growth, Axpo is deploying two cutting-edge LNG units with capacities of 7,500 cbm and 12,500 cbm, respectively.
But Axpo isn’t stopping at LNG. The company is also betting big on bio-LNG and ammonia as part of its decarbonization strategy. In August 2023, Axpo inked a ten-year charter deal with Italy’s Gas and Heat SpA and the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard for a 7,500 cbm LNG bunkering vessel capable of transporting bio-LNG and ammonia. More recently, Axpo Iberia partnered with Spanish ferry operator Baleària to complete the first bio-LNG bunkering operations at Enagás terminals in Huelva and Barcelona. These terminals are now supplying bio-LNG to vessels like the Rusadir, an electric and dual gas-powered ferry, and the Margarita Salas, a state-of-the-art ship delivered in 2024.
The Bigger Picture: A Cleaner, Smarter Maritime Industry
Axpo’s latest feat is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in the shipping industry. As global regulations tighten and the push for decarbonization intensifies, LNG and bio-LNG are emerging as frontrunners in the race to reduce emissions. Axpo’s innovative approach—combining STS transfers with SimOps—sets a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in maritime logistics. It’s not just about fueling ships; it’s about reimagining how the industry operates in a greener, more connected world.
As Axpo continues to expand its footprint in Spain and beyond, one thing is clear: the future of shipping is being rewritten, one LNG transfer at a time. And with Spain’s ports poised to become key hubs for clean energy, Axpo is leading the charge.
