The shipping industry is facing growing demands to reduce its carbon footprint and switch to more sustainable energy sources. With the maritime sector accounting for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, regulatory bodies, environmental groups and industry leaders are actively seeking viable solutions to meet international decarbonisation targets.
While several options such as electrification, hydrogen, ammonia and biofuels are being explored, each comes with its own challenges related to feasibility, infrastructure and scalability. Among these, LNG has emerged as a leading transitional marine fuel, offering an immediate path to compliance with stricter environmental regulations while significantly reducing emissions compared to traditional heavy fuel oil.
With over 400 LNG-fuelled vessels already in operation and more than 500 on order, the bunkering market is set for significant growth. Valued at $1.2 billion in 2023, it is projected to expand at a CAGR of 28.5% through 2030, driven by the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) ambitious target to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Europe is leading this charge with major ports like Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Barcelona investing heavily in LNG bunkering infrastructure. For instance, the Port of Amsterdam has grown into a strategic hub, facilitating the refuelling of LNG-powered vessels and supporting the development of innovative bunkering solutions. Despite this progress, high infrastructure costs, limited bunkering facilities and the lack of standardised regulations still act as a barrier to widespread implementation.
Strategies and Technologies Driving LNG Bunkering Adoption
Despite these challenges, LNG continues to gain traction as a preferred marine fuel, prompting the development of innovative strategies and technologies to enhance refuelling operations. Key trends include the establishment of mobile bunkering solutions, strategic partnerships among industry stakeholders and the introduction of environmentally friendly supply vessels. In addition, there is a growing focus on integrating AI to optimise bunkering processes, ensuring efficiency and safety.
The necessary infrastructure is further developing to meet the growing number of LNG-powered ships. Companies continue to invest in dedicated LNG bunkering vessels and facilities at principal ports around the world. Developments in ship-to-ship transfer methods are improving flexibility and accessibility, helping to meet the various needs of the global fleet.
LNGCON 2025: A Platform for Industry Collaboration
Given the rapid advancements in LNG bunkering infrastructure and technologies, encouraging industry partnerships and the sharing of expertise is essential to overcoming challenges and accelerating LNG adoption. On 10-12 March 2025 in Amsterdam, LNGCON 2025 brought together the entire LNG chain and provided a platform for those discussions.
One of the central sessions at the Congress, “Roundtable 1: Advancing LNG as the Future Marine Fuel – Strategies for Boosting LNG Bunkering Adoption,” was a closed-door session designed to foster in-depth discussions. Speakers presented their topics, followed by a dynamic exchange of insights through general discussions and Q&A with all delegates. Representatives from Titan Clean Fuels, ETS Degassing, Victrol Chartering, Sogestran Group and Avenir LNG discussed innovative solutions, operational best practices and regulatory frameworks needed to accelerate adoption. Topics included mobile bunkering, global service expansion and bio-LNG’s role as a renewable energy source. Speakers shared lessons learned from operational experiences, offering strategies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the shipping sector.
Shaping the Future of LNG Bunkering
The maritime industry’s transition to cleaner energy solutions is well underway, and LNG bunkering is set to play an important role in reducing emissions and achieving sustainability goals. The strategies and technologies discussed at LNGCON act as a roadmap for accelerating the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel, addressing the main challenges and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
By uniting industry experts and stakeholders, LNGCON paves the way for innovative solutions that will shape the future of LNG bunkering and the broader maritime industry.
