Port of Klaipeda makes history with inaugural ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation

LITHUANIA : The Port of Klaipeda achieved a historic milestone with the successful completion of its first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation.

On 9 April, the LNG tanker “Avenir Aspiration” transferred 326 m³ of liquefied natural gas to the 170-meter-long CMA CGM container vessel Containerships Aurora. This event signifies a significant advancement in maritime services within the key Lithuanian transportation hub.

“This successful LNG bunkering operation is a milestone for Klaipeda Port and a significant leap forward in diversifying and improving the quality of services port provides to maritime operators. The operation leverages our strategic advantages, including the existing infrastructure of the LNG floating storage and regasification terminal Independence, to offer cleaner, more sustainable bunkering solutions. Klaipeda Port is now firmly on the map as a convenient and reliable location for LNG bunkering in the region,” stated Vladas Motiejunas, Harbourmaster.

CMA CGM currently operates three LNG-powered vessels in the Baltic Sea, regularly servicing the Port of Klaipeda. There are upcoming plans to expand the LNG-powered vessel fleet to six in the near future.

“We are pleased to continue to support our partners at the Klaipeda Port and at CMA CGM in enabling a new and vital port to offer LNG bunkering services. Opening new ports and supply opportunities for LNG bunkering is key to enhancing the security of supply for LNG in order to meet shipowner’s decarbonisation targets,” commented Jonathan Quinn, managing director at Avenir LNG.

The use of LNG leads to significant reductions in emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, promoting cleaner air and a healthier environment. This operation underscores a collective dedication to sustainability and innovation within the maritime sector. The Port of Klaipeda aims to broaden its offering of alternative green fuels in the future, including the production and bunkering of green hydrogen on-site, starting as early as 2026.

Furthermore, Avenir LNG is a fully integrated provider of small-scale LNG services. With a fleet of five LNG transport and bunker vessels, Avenir serves the global LNG bunker market. The company holds a leading position as an LNG and bio-LNG supplier in the Baltic Sea region, supporting the energy needs of various vessels and terminals in Sweden, Lithuania, Finland, and beyond.

As Lithuania’s primary transportation hub, the Port of Klaipeda welcomes approximately 6,000 ships annually across its 33 specialized terminals. Handling a diverse range of cargoes, including containers, ro-ro, LNG, dry bulk, liquid bulk, general goods, and project cargoes, the port also facilitates the transportation of half a million passengers each year.

“The possibility to bunker LNG container vessels in the Port of Klaipeda is a strong sign that the port infrastructure is adapting in line with carbon zero targets in shipping. CMA CGM plans to have Klaipeda Port as a regular spot for LNG vessel bunkering”, explained Saulius Kazakevicius, General Manager at CMA CGM Lithuania.