Switzerland’s energy producer Axpo on Tuesday (26 May) said it has successfully completed the first LNG bunkering of a cruise ship in Naples, Italy, it was announced today. 

The ship-to-ship bunkering operation of the Sun Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, part of Carnival Corporation, took place on 24 May.

The operation at the Port of Naples, was performed using the LNG bunkering tanker Green Zeebrugge, previously deployed in the Port of Genoa. 

The transfer of LNG to the cruise ship Sun Princess represented a key step in the expansion of LNG in the maritime sector, thereby supporting emission reduction efforts within this industry.

Axpo’s Head of Small-Scale LNG Daniele Corti, said: “This operation is further demonstration that an alternative fuel infrastructure is truly up and running. When industry partners collaborate towards a common goal, Europe’s shipping industry makes real progress towards lowering emissions. I’d like to thank the local authorities and Carnival Corporation for enabling this significant milestone.”

“This milestone marks important progress for Carnival Corporation as we continue expanding the use of LNG across our world-class cruise lines including Princess Cruises,” said John Haeflinger, senior vice president, maritime policy and analysis, Carnival Corporation. “Advancing access to alternative fuels in key ports is essential to supporting our efforts to reduce emissions, and this milestone reflects the power of collaboration across our industry.

The successful operation is the result of close collaboration between Axpo, the Port System Authority of the Central Tyrrhenian Sea, Terminal Napoli, and the Port Authority of Naples, which coordinated operational and regulatory activities related to the bunkering operation.

Photo credit: Axpo
Published: 29 May, 2026

Singapore-based container operator Pacific International Lines (PIL) on Monday (25 May) said its vessel Kota Ocean successfully completed a simultaneous LNG bunkering and cargo operations at Mingdong Terminal in Shanghai’s Waigaoqiao Port.

The operation, held from 4 to 5 May, marked both PIL’s first LNG bunkering operation at the port and the terminal’s first ever LNG operation — a strong step forward in advancing green shipping with the Port of Shanghai.

Kota Ocean took on about 4,300 cubic metres (m3) of LNG with SIPG Energy, with support from the Pudong and Wusong Maritime Safety Administrations. 

“Through close coordination with SIPG Energy and the terminal, our team in Shanghai ensured that cargo operations and LNG bunkering proceeded in parallel — safely, efficiently, and without disruption,” the company said in a social media post. 

“Kota Ocean, one of PIL’s eight LNG dual-fuel vessels, is testament to our commitment towards fleet modernisation and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.” 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 28 May, 2026

Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee on Wednesday (27 May) announced the completion of the first bunkering operation at Majishan Terminal, marking full bunkering service coverage across all general cargo terminals in Zhoushan Port.

On the same day, the Dong Fang Zhao Yang 2, a bunkering vessel of the “Zhoushan Ship Type” version 2.0, supplied 1,113 metric tonnes (mt) of low sulphur fuel oil to bulk carrier XIN LI HAI at Berth 1 of COSCO Shipping Bulk.

Majishan Terminal is one of Zhoushan’s key bulk cargo hubs, handling more than 57 million tonnes of cargo annually and receiving over 250 foreign vessels in 2025, highlighting strong potential demand for bunkering services.

However, bunkering operations at the terminal had previously been constrained by complex hydrological and meteorological conditions, the long sailing distance from Zhoushan’s core bunkering hub, and insufficient barge capacity in the northern port area. As a result, Majishan remained the only general cargo terminal in Zhoushan Port without regular bunkering operations.

In recent years, Zhoushan authorities have stepped up efforts to enhance bunkering capabilities, particularly in the northern port area. Measures introduced include optimising operational conditions at the Qushan temporary anchorage, accelerating development of the Lvhuashan East anchorage, expanding oil and gas storage capacity to more than 42 million cubic metres, increasing the bunkering fleet to 54 vessels, and deploying larger bunkering vessels.

On 22 May, the Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee and other government departments held coordination meetings with bunker suppliers to prepare for the inaugural bunkering operation at Majishan.

The committee said the successful completion of the first fuel supply operation at Majishan Terminal closes the “last-mile” gap in marine fuel services in northern Zhoushan and strengthens bunkering support for major bulk cargo hubs in the region.

“This further enriches the comprehensive shipping service offerings in Zhoushan’s port area and enhances the one-stop service capabilities for international vessels,” the committee said. 

Going forward, Zhoushan plans to promote regular bunkering operations at Majishan Terminal, with the aim of attracting more shipowners and cargo owners while further expanding the northern marine fuel market.

Related: China launches version 2.0 of “Zhoushan ship type” bunkering vessel
Related: China: Zhoushan’s second upgraded bunkering vessel completes first refuelling operation

Photo credit: Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee
Published: 28 May, 2026