The Port of Barcelona supplied 236,946 cbm of LNG as marine fuel during 2025, representing a 3% increase compared to the previous year’s record, according to the port authority.

The Spanish port, which claims to be Spain’s busiest port for LNG bunkering operations, conducted 547 LNG bunkering operations throughout the year. Of these, 447 operations were carried out via truck-to-ship, delivering 47,593 cbm, while 100 operations used the barge Haugesund Knutsen, supplying 189,353 cbm.

The port authority said the increase was driven by higher call volumes from LNG-fuelled vessels, particularly car carriers, container ships and cruise vessels. Nearly 30% of cruise ship calls in 2025 involved LNG-powered vessels, with more than 40% of passengers travelling on such ships.

Bio-LNG bunkering operations from barge also commenced during 2025, a development the port expects to expand in coming years.

The Haugesund Knutsen barge, operated by Knutsen-Scale Gas and permanently based at Barcelona since early 2023, operated at maximum capacity for several months during 2025, particularly during peak cruise season. Ferry operator Baleària also increased its LNG bunkering operations slightly, contributing to the volume growth.

The port authority is currently preparing tender documents for commercial LNG supply services, which will include simplified authorisation procedures based on vessel type, including cruise ships, container vessels and roll-on/roll-off ships. First LNG bunkering operations to container ships and vessels at anchorage from barge are planned for 2026.

To increase bunkering volumes, the port said it needs additional fuel suppliers and barges operating at the facility. Several companies have expressed interest in obtaining authorisation to position barges in Barcelona or the western Mediterranean, according to the port authority.

The port is also drafting commercial service specifications for methanol bunkering, with a pilot methanol bunkering operation planned for this year.

The port authority noted that LNG eliminates 100% of sulphur oxide emissions and particulate matter, while reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 70% and CO₂ emissions by 20% compared to conventional marine fuels. Progressive substitution of LNG with bio-LNG is intended to support decarbonisation of maritime freight and passenger transport in line with the European Union’s FuelEU Maritime directive and EU ETS requirements.