Energy giant TotalEnergies and cruise ship operator MSC Cruises, part of MSC Group, completed the first LNG bunkering operation in Marseille Fos Port (France) as part of a deal the two companies signed back in March 2021.
TotalEnergies Marine Fuels (subsidiary of TotalEnergies) revealed that the chartered LNG bunkering vessel Gas Vitality (capacity 18600 m3) refueled the ship MSC World Europa, via a ship-to-ship transfer of 2500 m3 of LNG at the port on April 22nd, while passenger operations continued as normal.
The operation marked the start of the LNG bunker supply contract between TotalEnergies and MSC Cruises, as the companies drive forward the respective decarbonization plans.
Under the new agreement, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels is due to supply annually ~45000 tons of LNG to MSC's vessels at Marseille.
In the statement, Philippe Charleux (Total's senior VP of lubricants and specialties) said they were "excited to support the cruise division of MSC Group in their decarbonization journey and to help the Port of Marseille Fos become an LNG bunker hub for the Mediterranean region."
“This operation also expands our LNG bunkering capabilities to the cruise ship segment, demonstrating our ability to serve a broader range of shipping clients, as the industry strives to reduce emissions.”
The French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique (St-Nazaire) delivered MSC’s first LNG-powered ship MSC World Europa, in October last year. The 333-m World Europa recently started sailing her first summer season in the Med. Besides this ship, MSC will take delivery of its second LNG-powered ship MSC Euribia, from Chantiers de l’Atlantique on May 31st.