The Iberian Peninsula is on track to become Europe’s largest LNG bunkering region in 2026, according to projections shared by Gasnam.

LNG supply to vessels at Iberian ports reached 893,860 cbm in 2025, doubling the volume recorded in 2024 and quadrupling levels seen in 2023, based on data from Kpler cited by the association. By comparison, the Netherlands supplied 989,459 cbm in 2025, representing growth of just 2% year on year.

If current trends continue, Gasnam says the Iberian Peninsula will surpass the Netherlands as Europe’s leading LNG bunkering hub in 2026. The surge has been driven by rapid expansion of ship-to-ship bunkering operations and a distributed network of ports across Spain and Portugal, rather than a single dominant hub.

Nine LNG bunker vessels operated in the Iberian Peninsula during 2025, with four additional vessels currently under construction, reflecting what Gasnam describes as a rapidly scaling supply ecosystem.

Container ships, passenger vessels and car carriers have all increased LNG uptake at Iberian ports, supported by growing infrastructure and operational flexibility. The region has also seen strong growth in bio-LNG supply, which accounted for close to 12% of total marine gas volumes in 2025, giving the bunkering mix a “double-digit” renewable share.

Global vessel ordering trends continue to reinforce LNG’s role as a transition fuel. According to data from DNV, LNG-fuelled vessels ordered in 2025 represented 79% of alternative-fuel tonnage worldwide, up from 67% in 2024. Ships in operation and on order with LNG engines now account for around 10% of global deadweight tonnage.

Gasnam also highlighted the Iberian Peninsula’s longer-term potential as a production hub for synthetic fuels such as e-methanol and e-ammonia, linked to expanding renewable hydrogen projects across the region.

To reflect Iberia’s growing role in marine fuel supply, the association will host an international convention titled 'Alternative Fuels Bunkering in Iberia' on 17–18 June in Madrid, bringing together shipping companies, port authorities and energy providers.

“The future of global maritime transport is being decided today in the Iberian Peninsula,” said Eugenia Sillero, general secretary of Gasnam. “We not only have the location, but we have demonstrated that we have the infrastructure and production capacity to lead Europe.”