Spain has completed its first ship-to-ship bioLNG operation. in its territory, a maneuver executed in the Port of Algeciras which allowed to transfer more than 4.000 m³ of liquefied biomethane to the CMA CGM Fort Bourbon container ship, marking a significant advance in reducing emissions on heavy-duty routes.
The supply, coordinated by Axpo with the support of Enagás, has been supported by the Cartagena Regasification Plant with ISCC EU certificationThe fuel was obtained through virtual liquefaction and is part of a strategy that has already deployed LNG operations in enclaves such as Malaga, Algeciras and Sines, with the aim of consolidating a sustainable marine fuel ecosystem in southern Europe.
How the operation unfolded
In a first phase, the Enagás plant in Cartagena loaded ~3.500 m³ of bioLNG on the supply vessel Avenir Aspiration, in coordination with the Port Authority of Cartagena, using the small-scale infrastructure enabled for these operations.
The bunkering ship then sailed to Algeciras to carry out the Ship-to-ship transfer in Algeciras to CMA CGM Fort Bourbon, completing the delivery to the container shipping industry with a volume that exceeded 4.000 m³.
El Certificate of origin issued by Enagás at the beginning of August 2025 guarantees the traceability and sustainability of biofuel, ensuring compliance with the sustainability requirements demanded by European regulations.
Infrastructure, certification and traceability
From julio de 2025, the Cartagena terminal has certification ISCC EU, which verifies environmental, social, and traceability criteria for biofuels, a key requirement for certifying the sustainable origin of bioLNG. For more information on sustainable certification systems, you can consult this article on biogas certification platforms.
It is based on a scheme of virtual liquefaction of biomethane: Biomethane is injected into the network, its origin is recognized, and it is converted into bioLNG for use in maritime logistics, maintaining the chain of custody.
Enagás has expanded its offer for bioLNG loads on ships and trucks, with services available at the plants Huelva and Barcelona and a specific dock for operations small scale in Cartagena. More information on innovation in the biogas sector can be found at new projects and advances in biogas.
This technical system facilitates the supply of new generation marine fuels, leveraging the existing network, which is essential to advancing the decarbonization goals set by the European Union in maritime transport.
A booming bunkering market
LNG bunkering in Spain has multiplied by nine its activity since 2022, with 2,2 TWh loaded between January and June 2025, which represents a 30% more than in the same period last year. This growth accelerates the incorporation of bioLNG into the commercial fleet.
La company responsible for supply has expressed its intention to expand the bioLNG portfolio and strengthen collaboration with other actors in the sector to meet the demand for cleaner marine fuelsTo learn more about the benefits of biogas, see the benefits of biogas.
Previous experiences in Malaga, Sines and Algeciras with LNG have laid the foundations for the leap to bioLNG on large container ships, integrating procedures and certifications into an increasingly developed supply chain.
Small-scale LNG market officials highlight the pioneering positioning of the company in the Iberian sector and its commitment to lower carbon footprint solutions, aligned with the goals of reducing emissions in international maritime transport.
Following the maneuver in Algeciras, with the certifying support of Cartagena and a growing bunkering market, Spain already has the necessary foundations to deploy a large-scale supply of bioLNG, consolidating its role as a Mediterranean hub for sustainable marine fuels.