The Port of Barcelona, together with Enagás, Knutsen Scale Gas, Shell, and TUI Cruises, has positioned itself as a pioneering low-carbon fueling hub. Their collaboration in executing the first ship-to-ship (STS) bio-LNG bunkering operation at the port marks a major leap in maritime decarbonization.
Barcelona, Spain – August 5th, 2025 – The Port of Barcelona has executed a landmark ship-to-ship (STS) bio-LNG bunkering operation, cementing its role as a central hub in the Western Mediterranean’s maritime energy transition. On July 26, the Mein Schiff Relax, the newest vessel from TUI Cruises, was supplied with 1,875 m³ of renewable liquefied biomethane, marking a pivotal moment for the cruise industry and regional decarbonization efforts. This milestone reflects strategic investments and collaborative partnerships driving a scalable, sustainable future for marine fueling.
This operation for the Mein Schiff Relax represents the second bio-LNG supply carried out at the Port of Barcelona. The first occurred in March when shipping company Baleària loaded bio-LNG onto one of its vessels via tanker truck. However, the use of the Haugesund Knutsen bunker barge—operated by Knutsen Scale Gas and chartered by Shell Marine —marks a significant operational advance, increasing the volume of fuel loaded by more than 15 times and dramatically speeding up the process. This shift to STS bunkering is crucial for the cruise sector, where scale and speed in fueling directly affect tight operational schedules and enable broader adoption of emission-neutral fuels.
Bio-LNG, a “drop-in” fuel chemically identical to fossil LNG, can be used in dual-fuel engines like those on the Mein Schiff Relax without modification. What sets it apart is its sustainability profile: derived entirely from organic waste, bio-LNG reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 70% to 100%. The fuel for this operation was sourced exclusively from the Enagás regasification plant at the port’s Energy Wharf. This “kilometer zero” supply model, certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU) system, ensures third-party verification of the fuel’s traceability and sustainability credentials.
This first STS bio-LNG bunkering of the Mein Schiff Relax at the Port of Barcelona marks a key milestone in TUI Cruises’ Climate Protection Roadmap, which targets climate neutrality by 2050. The company’s strategy is built around four pillars:
These comprehensive measures illustrate TUI Cruises’ commitment to progressing from transitional fuels toward fully sustainable alternatives.
The success of this operation stems from a multi-stakeholder collaboration, each contributing essential expertise:
Barcelona’s strategic location and proactive investments in sustainable infrastructure create an ideal testbed for emerging fuel technologies. This bio-LNG bunkering operation, backed by certification and public-private partnerships, offers a replicable model for ports worldwide. As regulations such as the FuelEU Maritime Directive come into effect, Barcelona’s approach demonstrates how strategic planning and collaboration can deliver scalable, sustainable marine fuel supply chains.
The milestone highlights how long-term infrastructure investments, certification frameworks, and coordinated partnerships can operationalize low-carbon fuel supply chains effectively.
The port’s “kilometer zero” model—where bio-LNG production, certification, and delivery all occur within the same port complex—serves as a practical and replicable example for ports aiming to lead maritime decarbonization efforts globally.
As regulatory pressure mounts and demand for green fuels grows, Barcelona’s experience offers a clear roadmap for expanding bio-LNG bunkering capabilities and unlocking the full benefits of a circular economy in shipping.
Situated on Spain’s northeastern coast, the Port of Barcelona is more than a major logistics hub; it is a vital economic engine for the Western Mediterranean. Serving as a key gateway for trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa, it also ranks among the world’s busiest cruise ports. This dual role uniquely positions Barcelona to drive sustainable innovation across cargo and passenger maritime sectors.
Committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050, the port has systematically developed the infrastructure needed to support alternative fuels. The Enagás regasification plant and the permanently stationed Haugesund Knutsen bunkering barge are cornerstone assets in this strategy, providing a flexible, high-capacity LNG supply chain. The port’s readiness for such operations is underscored by LNG fueling accounting for nearly a quarter of vessel calls in 2024—demonstrating clear regional leadership.
