In a groundbreaking achievement for maritime services, the Port of Klaipeda recently conducted its first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation, heralding a new era of sustainability in the major Lithuanian transport hub. The LNG tanker Avenir Aspiration successfully bunkered 326 cubic metres of liquefied natural gas to the 170-metre-long CMA CGM container vessel Containerships Aurora on April 9, marking a significant milestone for the port.

Vladas Motiejunas, Harbourmaster of the Port of Klaipeda, hailed the operation as a pivotal moment, stating, “This successful LNG bunkering operation is a milestone for Klaipeda Port and a significant leap forward in diversifying and improving the quality of services the port provides to maritime operators.” Motiejunas highlighted the strategic advantages of the port, including the existing infrastructure of the LNG floating storage and regasification terminal Independence, which enables cleaner and more sustainable bunkering solutions.

CMA CGM, a major player in the shipping industry, operates three LNG-powered vessels in the Baltic Sea, with regular calls at the Port of Klaipeda. Plans are underway to expand the LNG-powered vessel fleet to six in the near future. Saulius Kazakevicius, general manager at CMA CGM Lithuania, affirmed the company’s commitment to utilising Klaipeda Port as a regular spot for LNG vessel bunkering, emphasising its alignment with carbon zero targets in shipping.

The use of LNG significantly reduces emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. The operation reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation in the shipping industry. Looking ahead, Klaipeda Port aims to offer a wider variety of alternative green fuels, including on-site production and bunkering of green hydrogen starting in early 2026.

Avenir LNG, a leading small-scale LNG supplier, played a pivotal role in the bunkering operation. The company operates the second-largest small-scale LNG fleet globally, with five LNG transport and bunker vessels providing LNG bunkering services worldwide. In the Baltic Sea region, Avenir is the primary LNG and bio-LNG supplier, ensuring energy supply for vessels and terminals in Sweden, Lithuania, and Finland.

The Port of Klaipeda stands as the major transport hub in Lithuania, serving 6,000 ships annually across 33 specialised terminals. Handling various cargoes and passenger traffic, the port plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and transportation in the region.

For more information visit www.portofklaipeda.lt