Port of Naples Completes First LNG Ship-to-Ship Bunkering Operation 

The successful operation establishes the Port of Naples’ LNG bunkering capabilities that will support the reduction of maritime emissions in Italy

Axpo, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), and Studio di Ingegneria Benvenuto & Associati (Studio Benvenuto) have successfully completed the first LNG ship-to-ship bunkering operation in the Port of Naples, marking a significant milestone in emissions reduction efforts within Italy's cruise industry.

The operation was conducted for Sun Princess, a next-generation LNG-fueled cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises of Carnival Corporation. The bunkering was performed using Green Zeebrugge, a specialized vessel operated by Axpo.

BV conducted a technical review of the Quantitative Risk Assessment prepared by Studio Benvenuto to verify compliance with applicable Italian maritime regulations, including the guidelines established by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) and the National Fire and Rescue Service (VVF). All operational and authorization activities were executed in strict accordance with international LNG bunkering standards and Port State Control requirements.

The successful completion of Naples' first LNG ship-to-ship bunkering operation establishes an important operational and regulatory precedent for future activities in Italian ports. It also highlights the value of collaboration among ship operators, fuel suppliers, engineering specialists, classification societies and regulatory authorities in enabling the continued transition of the country's maritime energy infrastructure.

Simone Rodolfi, Head of Origination and Structured Products of Axpo Italia, said: "This achievement underscores our shared commitment to advancing sustainable shipping practices. The combination of Axpo's bunkering expertise, combined with the engineering expertise of Studio Benvenuto alongside the technical verification capabilities of Bureau Veritas, is creating the infrastructure and frameworks necessary to support Italy's cruise industry’s low emissions model."

Alessandro Benvenuto, Associate Partner of Studio Benvenuto, said: "Studio Benvenuto is honored to have contributed its engineering expertise to this historic achievement. Our comprehensive Quantitative Risk Assessment provided the technical foundation that enabled regulatory authorities and stakeholders to confidently approve this first-of-its-kind operation in Naples."