Port of Gothenburg marks a historic milestone by completing its first LNG bunkering for mega yacht RC Ilma, powered by Gasum and coordinated by Sirius Agency, on a record-setting cruise day.
Gothenburg, Sweden – July 2025 — The Port of Gothenburg marked a landmark day for both sustainable maritime logistics and Northern European cruise tourism, successfully completing its first-ever Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunkering operation for a luxury mega yacht. The vessel—RC Ilma, operated by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection—was fueled with LNG in a milestone event that underscored the port’s rising status as a center for green shipping in Europe.
The bunkering took place on a day already destined for the history books, as the port welcomed four cruise ships simultaneously, bringing more than 3,000 visitors to Sweden’s west coast. The convergence of high-capacity cruise traffic with a groundbreaking environmental operation reflects the Port of Gothenburg’s dual commitment to tourism growth and decarbonization leadership.
On this historic day, the Port of Gothenburg welcomed four passenger ships: the ultra-luxurious RC Ilma from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, AIDAmar operated by AIDA Cruises, Clio from Grand Circle Cruise Line, and Le Lapérouse representing Compagnie du Ponant. While each vessel contributed to a vibrant and festive atmosphere in the port and city, it was the LNG bunkering of RC Ilma that stood out as a pivotal milestone in Gothenburg’s ongoing transition toward a low-emission maritime future.
LNG has emerged as a leading transition fuel in the global maritime industry, helping vessels meet increasingly stringent air pollution and carbon reduction regulations.
Compared to conventional marine fuels, LNG delivers the following emission reductions:
While not a zero-carbon solution, LNG’s immediate benefits to air quality and carbon intensity are recognized by regulatory authorities such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union. Additionally, it serves as a gateway to future fuels like bio-LNG, synthetic methane, and hydrogen-derived alternatives.
RC Ilma represents the pinnacle of next-generation sustainable cruise design. As the newest vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, it pairs exceptional onboard experiences with forward-leaning environmental technologies.
Key specifications:
The ship is powered by dual-fuel engines capable of running on both LNG and marine gas oil (MGO). It also incorporates advanced wastewater treatment, energy-efficient systems, and low-noise propulsion, all designed to minimize ecological impact both at sea and in port.
The successful LNG bunkering of RC Ilma was the result of seamless coordination among key industry stakeholders:
The LNG was delivered by LNG bunker vessel Coralius, a purpose-built ship designed specifically for ship-to-ship LNG fuel transfers. Since entering service in 2017, Coralius has completed hundreds of LNG bunkering operations, including for ferries, oil tankers, car carriers, and cruise ships across the Baltic and North Sea regions.
While Coralius executed the delivery, it served as the operational platform in this case—operated under contract with Gasum—rather than being a direct partner to the port or shipowner.
As Scandinavia’s largest port and a critical gateway for Sweden’s foreign trade, the Port of Gothenburg has positioned itself as a regional leader in green shipping innovation. This first LNG bunkering of a cruise vessel further solidifies its long-term sustainability strategy.
Ongoing and completed initiatives include:
These infrastructure investments align with both national Swedish climate policy and the EU Fit for 55 package, helping reduce maritime emissions while maintaining the port’s competitive edge in trade and tourism.
The Port of Gothenburg expressed its appreciation to RC Ilma’s crew, Sirius Agency, and Gasum for ensuring a safe and successful bunkering operation. The port views this milestone as a starting point—not a culmination—as it prepares to support a growing fleet of alternative-fuel vessels.
The Port of Gothenburg regards this LNG bunkering as a milestone in its journey toward greener shipping. “This historic operation is a testament to what collaboration, infrastructure, and forward-thinking strategy can achieve. We’re proud to lead Northern Europe in facilitating the green transition of cruise and commercial shipping.”
As maritime operators increasingly prioritize decarbonization, fuel diversification, and climate resilience, Gothenburg stands as a living model of what ports can—and must—do to meet the evolving demands of global shipping.
