Axpo describes Spain as an important hub for its LNG business, which recently achieved the delivery of 100 LNG cargoes with a total volume of 76.07 terawatt hours (TWh) to Europe.
Axpo, Switzerland’s largest energy producer, concluded its first delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to MSC, a global shipping and logistics company, in the port of Malaga. This was the first operation carried out through Axpo’s chartered small-scale LNG vessel in Spain.
About 2,800 metric tonnes of LNG were supplied using a small-scale LNG vessel, which allows ship-to-ship (STS) fuel transfers – known as bunkering. This delivery marked the first STS LNG bunkering undertaking for the port of Malaga and the first simultaneous operations (SimOps) by container in Spain, meaning LNG filling activities take place at the same time as cargo loading and unloading operations.
Moreover, this also reflects the growing demand for LNG as a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to the traditional fuels used by the maritime sector. Domenico de Luca, Axpo’s Head of Trading & Sales, said LNG bunkering is an efficient and cost-effective solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the shipping industry. Daniele Corti, Axpo’s Head of Small-Scale LNG, highlighted the cooperation and support they received from local authorities in Malaga to realise this milestone and secure Axpo’s operating license. “The new service enables Axpo to provide reliable, attractive, and versatile energy solutions to our customers.”
Spain: Hub for LNG Business
Axpo describes Spain as an important hub for its LNG business, which recently achieved the delivery of 100 LNG cargoes with a total volume of 76.07 terawatt hours (TWh) to Europe. Axpo is active across the midstream and downstream natural gas and LNG sector in Switzerland and abroad, including trading and transporting gas across Europe. LNG customers range from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large energy-intensive industrial companies.
Axpo’s new small-scale LNG offering in Spain will be facilitated by two vessels – a 7,500 cubic metre and a 12,500 cubic metre ship – both equipped with cutting-edge technology. In addition to bunkering, Axpo will be able to offer small-scale break-bulk deliveries and gas up and cool down services. Whilst commencing operations in the port of Málaga, a well-known destination for commercial maritime traffic, Axpo will also offer its services in other Spanish terminals such as Algeciras, Valencia and Barcelona.
