Enagás and Axpo launch new LNG vessel

12.03.2026 – A new state-of-the-art LNG bunkering vessel, the Alisios LNG, was launched today at the port of Huelva in southwestern Spain by Enagás CEO Arturo Gonzalo and Axpo Iberia Managing Director Ignacio Soneira. The vessel will operate along the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula and promote the use of LNG and bio-LNG as transitional fuels for maritime transport. Owned by Enagás through its Scale Green Energy subsidiary, the Alisios LNG has been chartered by Axpo for commercial use.

In short: 

• New bunkering vessel Alisios LNG will supply low-emissions marine fuels across southern Iberia.

• The 12,500 m³ capacity vessel supports the transition towards the decarbonisation of maritime transport, enabling the growing use of LNG and bio-LNG by the sector.

• The project strengthens the roles of Enagás and Axpo in the energy transition, expanding their LNG bunkering capacity.

Working from one of its loading terminals in Spain, the Alisios LNG incorporates advanced technology to minimise emissions during operations. Supplying both LNG and bio-LNG for maritime transport, the vessel will help further the transition towards the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Enagás CEO Arturo Gonzalo said: “Today’s launch is a key milestone in the development of infrastructure that contributes to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. The adoption of more sustainable fuels, such as LNG and bio-LNG, also supports compliance with European emission reduction targets.”

Axpo Iberia Managing Director Ignacio Soneira added: “Commissioning this new vessel further consolidates Axpo's leadership in the small-scale LNG bunkering business as we continue our efforts to help the transition to decarbonise maritime transport.”

State-of-the-art vessel meets growing demand for sustainable fuels 

Able to carry cargoes of both LNG and bio-LNG, the Alisios LNG has a storage capacity of 12,500 m³, enabling it to respond effectively to customers’ supply requirements. The vessel’s advanced control systems give greater manoeuvrability, allowing it to operate in a variety of different port environments. Equipped with technology designed to maintain its cargo in the best condition throughout the voyage, the Alisios LNG is a versatile, efficient and reliable vessel for the supply of more sustainable fuels.

Enagás and Axpo decarbonising maritime transport

Through its subsidiary Scale Green Energy, Enagás is consolidating its position as a leading shipowner in LNG bunkering across southern Europe, operating four vessels: Alisios LNG, Levante LNG, Mistral LNG and Haugesund Knutsen. Both LNG and bio-LNG are becoming the best-positioned alternative fuels to lead Spain’s energy transition. The country’s available fleet is supported by Spain’s seven regasification plants, which have been adapted to supply LNG for bunkering. In addition, LNG terminals in Barcelona, Cartagena, Huelva and El Musel have already launched bio-LNG supply services for ships and tankers.

Committed to remaining at the forefront of the transition to low-emissions maritime transport, Axpo continues to expand its bio-LNG portfolio and forge partnerships with industry leaders. The company believes such collaboration is essential to achieving global emissions targets and advancing a more sustainable future for maritime logistics. 

This commitment is reflected in concrete actions, such as the ten-year charter of the LNG bunkering vessel Green Pearl in Italy. The 7,500 m3 vessel transports and distributes LNG and bio-LNG, improving the speed, flexibility, and efficiency of Axpo's small-scale LNG bunkering operations across the Mediterranean.

LNG and bio-LNG reduce maritime emissions 

With new European regulations requiring a progressive reduction in maritime sector emissions, the commissioning of the Alisios LNG enables Enagás and Axpo to respond to an increased demand for alternative fuels from the industry.

LNG bunkering in Spain has grown exponentially over recent years, with activity quadrupling between 2023 and 2025. Last year, LNG cargoes grew by 64 per cent in Spain, positioning it as a strategic hub in southern Europe for the supply of alternative fuels. 

As the number of bunkering vessels and supporting infrastructure continues to expand, LNG and bio-LNG are currently the best-placed alternative fuels to lead the maritime sector’s energy transition. Compared to traditional fuels, LNG eliminates 100 per cent of sulphur oxide (SOX) emissions, between 80 to 90 per cent of nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions and 25 per cent of CO2 emissions.

The use of LNG as a marine fuel in Spain could reduce CO2 emissions by around two million tonnes by 2030, which would be equivalent to replacing more than one million internal combustion vehicles with electric vehicles.

Notes to editors

• Bunkering is the process of refuelling ships or other vessels. This can include various types of fuel, such as oil, diesel and LNG.

• Bio-LNG is short for biological liquefied natural gas (LNG), a renewable fuel produced from organic materials such as biomass, waste and agricultural residues.