Enagás and Axpo Launch LNG Bunkering Vessel in Southwestern Spain
Enagás, a Spanish company that operates and maintains gas pipelines and terminals, and Axpo, Switzerland’s largest energy producer and an international player in energy trading and the marketing of solar and wind power, have launched a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessel in southwestern Spain.
The vessel, named Alisios LNG, was launched at the Port of Huelva by Arturo Gonzalo and Ignacio Soneira. Owned by Enagás through its Scale Green Energy subsidiary and chartered by Axpo for commercial use, the vessel is expected to operate along the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
Its deployment aims to promote the use of LNG and bio-LNG as transitional fuels for maritime transport.
Supporting Maritime Decarbonisation
Gonzalo stated that the launch represents a key milestone in developing infrastructure that supports the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. The adoption of more sustainable fuels, such as LNG and bio-LNG, also contributes to meeting European emission reduction targets.
With a capacity of 12,500 cubic meters (cbm), the vessel is designed to enable the growing use of LNG and bio-LNG in maritime transport. The project strengthens both companies’ roles in the energy transition by expanding LNG bunkering capacity.
Operating from one of Spain’s loading terminals, Alisios LNG incorporates advanced technology to minimise emissions during operations. By supplying both LNG and bio-LNG, the vessel is expected to further support the sector’s decarbonisation efforts.
Strengthening LNG Bunkering Capabilities
Soneira noted that commissioning the vessel reinforces Axpo’s leadership in the small-scale LNG bunkering market, while supporting the broader transition toward lower-emission maritime transport.
The vessel’s advanced control systems enhance manoeuvrability, allowing it to operate efficiently across various port environments. As European regulations increasingly require reductions in maritime emissions, the vessel is positioned to help meet rising demand for alternative fuels.
Described as versatile, efficient, and reliable, the ship is equipped with technology designed to maintain cargo quality throughout its journey.
Environmental Impact and Industry Growth
The use of LNG as a marine fuel in Spain is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by around 2 million tonnes by 2030, equivalent to replacing more than 1 million internal combustion vehicles with electric vehicles.
Enagás currently operates four vessels: Alisios LNG, Levante LNG, Mistral LNG, and Haugesund Knutsen. Meanwhile, Axpo continues expanding its bio-LNG portfolio and strengthening partnerships, including a ten-year charter of the Green Pearl LNG bunkering vessel in Italy.
The 7,500 cbm Green Pearl LNG vessel transports and distributes LNG and bio-LNG, improving the speed, flexibility, and efficiency of small-scale LNG bunkering operations across the Mediterranean.
Rising LNG Demand in Spain
Axpo highlighted that LNG bunkering activity in Spain has grown significantly, quadrupling between 2023 and 2025. In the past year alone, LNG cargoes increased by 64%, positioning Spain as a strategic hub in southern Europe for alternative fuel supply.
As bunkering vessels and supporting infrastructure continue to expand, LNG and bio-LNG are currently among the most viable alternatives driving the maritime sector’s energy transition.
Compared to traditional fuels, LNG eliminates 100% of sulphur oxide (SOX) emissions, reduces nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions by 80–90%, and lowers CO2 emissions by approximately 25%.
