Portsmouth Port hosts its first LNG bunkering operation

Following the first bunkering transfer, the UK’s Portsmouth International Port has now introduced LNG bunkering for vessels sailing into and out of the port as it strives to become carbon neutral by 2030 and emissions-free by 2050.

On January 27, 2025, the port revealed it had hosted its first LNG bunkering operation in which Saint-Malo, the first of two new electric-hybrid ships from French shipping company Brittany Ferries, received LNG fuel.

The newbuild ferry, set to soon begin service from Portsmouth, took on LNG fuel from Optimus, a bunkering barge operated by Dutch supplier Titan Clean Fuels.

As informed, Titan received a permit to perform LNG bunkering operations at Portsmouth International Port earlier this month, following a long-term agreement signed with Brittany Ferries for the supply of the cleaner fuel.

Ben McInnes, Harbor Master at Portsmouth International Port, said: “We’ve worked hard to make sure we can bring safe and efficient LNG bunkering to our customers, including visits to other LNG operations in Europe, and employing independent expert consultants.

“As well as our goals to be carbon net-neutral by 2030 and emissions free by 2050, we’re also committed to improving air quality for those who live and work in Portsmouth, which we can do by providing LNG.

“Later this year we’ll also be offering clean electricity to ships that are able to plug into our new shore power system, further improving air quality and reducing emissions for those ships, with the prospect of zero emissions for hybrid vessels operating within Portsmouth harbour.”

The UK port is advancing works on a shore power system that will enable up to three ships to plug in at once when it goes live in spring 2025.

Brittany Ferries is one of the project partners and will be the main customer using the shore power system.