In what was claimed to be a defining moment for both Portugal’s maritime sector and Europe’s clean energy transition, Molgas Energy has completed the first LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Leixões near Porto.
This milestone marks the official launch of a permanent LNG supply facility in Portugal.
The operation involved the refuelling of the ’Ilma’, the recently introduced ultra-luxury cruise yacht operated by the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Bunkering was carried out via the multi-truck-to-ship (MTTS) method, ensuring a safe, efficient, and flexible delivery.
Fernando Breda, Molgas Portugal’s Commercial Director, said: “Regular LNG bunkering operations in Portugal are a major milestone in our journey: a relevant contribution to the de-carbonisation of ocean mobility, placing Portugal at the forefront, in line with the sustainability policies long followed in other (EU) Member States.”
Johannes Richter, Molgas Marine Group Leader, added “We’re excited to extend LNG bunkering operations to Portugal, adding another vital link to our flexible European supply network — ensuring cleaner energy is available where and when it’s needed, through multiple infrastructure solutions.”
Capt Rui Cunha of the Port of Leixões commented: “The completion of this first LNG bunkering operation in Portugal marks a historic milestone for the Port of Leixões and for the national maritime energy transition.
“This achievement is the result of close collaboration and showcases the port’s ability to meet the new demands of sustainability and innovation.
“We are proud to lead this path and to offer shipping companies cleaner and more efficient solutions for the future of maritime mobility,” he said.
This achievement comes shortly after Molgas’ successful collaboration with Titan to deliver LNG to ’Ilma’ at Amsterdam – the first LNG bunkering at that terminal.
These operations are part of Molgas’ initiative to establish a continent-wide LNG and bioLNG bunkering network, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.
Molgas said that this means Portugal and European maritime’s de-carbonisation, thus:
- Permanent LNG supply point established at the Port of Leixões.
- First step in a wider rollout of LNG capabilities across Portuguese ports.
- Expansion of Molgas’ European LNG infrastructure supporting cleaner maritime fuels.
- Strengthened compliance with EU climate and maritime de-carbonisation targets.
Following the Leixões bunker service launch, additional Portuguese ports are set to join the Molgas LNG supply network.
