First LNG bunkering operation performed at Klaipeda Port

The Port of Klaipeda has announced that it has completed its first successful ship-to-ship (STS) liquified natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation.

LNG tanker Avenir Aspiration bunkered 326 cubic metres of LNG to a 170-metre length CMA CGM container vessel containerships Aurora on 9 April.

CMA CGM operates three LNG-powered vessels in the Baltic Sea, with regular calls at the Port of Klaipeda. There are plans to expand the LNG-powered vessel fleet to six soon.

Avenir LNG is a fully integrated small-scale LNG supplier. Avenir currently operates five LNG transport and bunker vessels that serve the LNG bunker market globally.

“This successful LNG bunkering operation is a milestone for Klaipeda Port and a significant leap forward in diversifying and improving the quality of services port provides to maritime operators,” said Vladas Motiejunas, Harbourmaster.

“The operation leverages our strategic advantages, including the existing infrastructure of the LNG floating storage and regasification terminal Independence, to offer cleaner, more sustainable bunkering solutions. Klaipeda Port is now firmly on the map as a convenient and reliable location for LNG bunkering in the region.”

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Jonathan Quinn, Managing Director at Avenir LNG commented: “We are pleased to continue to support our partners at the Klaipeda Port and CMA CGM in enabling a new and vital port to offer LNG bunkering services.

“Opening new ports and supply opportunities for LNG bunkering is key to enhancing the security of supply for LNG in order to meet shipowner’s decarbonisation targets.”

“The possibility to bunker LNG container vessels in the Port of Klaipeda is a strong sign that the port infrastructure is adapting in line with carbon zero targets in shipping,” added Saulius Kazakevicius, General Manager at CMA CGM Lithuania. CMA CGM plans to have Klaipeda Port as a regular spot for LNG vessel bunkering.”

This time last year, the General Director of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority signed a declaration of accession to Hafen Hamburg Marketing e.V (HHM) in a festive ceremony at the transport logistic trade fair in Munich, Algis Latakas.

More recently, the Port of Klaipėda successfully monitored 140 ships for exhaust gas quality along Lithuania’s Baltic Sea coast and port waters as part of a three-month drone mission.

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