Edison and CMA CGM have achieved a successful ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering of LNG to a container ship, the first bunkering of a vessel of this type in Italy.
The operation took place in the port of Trieste, where the Edison Group’s LNG carrier Ravenna Knutsen refuelled the CMA CGM Salamanque, an LNG-powered container ship deployed in the Mediterranean.
The operation marks a new milestone for Edison, which already operated the first LNG bunkering operation in the Adriatic for a cruise ship in 2024, and confirms the company’s role in the development of the LNG supply chain for the maritime and road transport sectors.
CMA CGM regards itself as a pioneer in the energy transition of shipping activities. The company operates a large fleet of dual-fuel LNG-powered containerships, paving the way for the adoption of alternative low-carbon maritime fuels like biogas and e-methane. These innovations enable carbon emissions reductions of up to 85%, demonstrating CMA CGM’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices. This collaboration between Edison and CMA CGM is expected to contribute to the gradual spread of LNG-powered fleets in Italian ports.
Fabrizio Mattana, EVP Gas Assets, Edison, said: “The first bunkering of a container ship in the Adriatic demonstrates the extreme operational flexibility achieved by Edison in recent years and its ability to open new market segments in Italy. We are proud of this achievement and see great potential in this sector, where the next step will be the growing contribution of BioLNG. The excellent collaboration with the Port Authority and the relevant authorities in the Adriatic Sea is certainly accelerating market development in this area.”
The Ravenna Knutsen, in service for Edison since 2021, is a 30,000m3 LNG carrier designed to ensure high operational flexibility and capable of adapting to different types of depots and vessels. This versatility allows for safe and efficient bunkering operations with multiple configurations.
CMA CGM regards LNG as currently the most practical and immediate solution for reducing maritime transport emissions. In line with the European ETS Maritime and FuelEU Maritime regulations and compliant with IMO regulations, LNG is considered to be paving the way for zero-emission fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG.
Image: STS LNG bunkering of CMA CGM vessel in Trieste (source: CMA CGM)
