First Ship-To-Ship LNG Bunkering Completed At Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port

AD Ports Group, the leading logistics and port operator in the UAE, has successfully carried out its first ship-to-ship (STS) liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at the deep-water Khalifa Port.

This makes Abu Dhabi a key hub for alternative marine fuels and sustainable shipping practices.

The operation involved the LNG bunker vessel Green Zeebrugge, which supplied LNG to the container ship MSC Thais while it was berthed at Abu Dhabi Terminals.

This STS bunkering took place as part of a similar operation, where both cargo handling and LNG transfer were carried out at the same time.

The bunkering was facilitated by Monjasa, a global marine fuels provider.

The successful bunkering shows AD Ports Group’s capability to manage complex port operations by integrating cleaner fuel solutions within its infrastructure.

It also supports the global maritime sector’s shift toward low-emission fuel alternatives.

CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, Captain Saif Al Mheiri, said the group and Monjasa are committed to maintaining the highest environmental and safety standards.

He said that reliable access to a diverse fuel mix is essential for shipowners looking to meet their decarbonisation goals. Mheiri added the Group will keep promoting sustainable solutions to support global climate goals.

LNG is increasingly being seen as a cleaner marine fuel option. It produces lower levels of greenhouse gases, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter compared to conventional marine fuels.

AD Ports Group and Monjasa plan to extend LNG bunkering services to other commercial ports in Abu Dhabi, including services for cruise ships at Zayed Port.

They will also offer a full range of marine fuels such as Marine Gas Oil (MGO), Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), and High-Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO).

The recent STS LNG bunkering operation followed global standards and protocols set by leading maritime organisations, including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), and Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO).

Through this initiative, AD Ports Group is not only contributing to cleaner shipping operations but also supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

Reference: AD Ports Group

Source: Maritime Shipping News