Axpo and Vitol have completed the first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Civitavecchia in Italy.
The operation marks the launch of LNG bunkering services at the port. Civitavecchia is Italy’s largest cruise port and a major gateway for Rome.
A vessel operated by a leading international cruise line received the LNG during the operation.
Green Pearl carries out first LNG bunkering
Green Pearl carried out the bunkering operation at berth 18.
The 7,500 m³ LNG bunkering vessel is operated by Axpo. It entered service in 2026 and supports bunkering operations at Italian ports.
The vessel can perform both ship-to-ship and ship-to-truck operations.
The latest development expands Axpo’s LNG bunkering presence in Italy. The company launched ship-to-ship LNG bunkering in Genoa in late 2025. It then added Naples in May 2026.
“This latest operation shows the ability of our supply chain to grow rapidly and meet the needs of leading international cruise lines,” said Simone Demarchi, CEO, Axpo Italia.
“Over the coming years, the shipping and cruise sectors will be called upon to accelerate their decarbonisation journey,” added Demarchi.
He said LNG is currently one of the available options to support that transition.
Meanwhile, Vitol highlighted the role of both LNG and bio-LNG in maritime operations.
“LNG and bio-LNG have a key role to play in reducing emissions from bunkering,” said Stefan Dubbeldam, Head of Small Scale LNG & LNG Bunkering, Vitol.
Vitol operates across the LNG supply chain. Its activities include production, offtake and LNG bunkering services.
Axpo is also expanding its alternative fuel operations outside Italy.
The company has chartered Alisios LNG, a bunkering vessel with a capacity of 12,500 m³. The vessel began operations in Spain in March 2026.
The expansion to Civitavecchia follows Axpo’s wider effort to develop fuel supply services for the maritime and heavy transport sectors.
