TotalEnergies has entered into a charter agreement with Spanish shipowner Ibaizabal for a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunker vessel, boasting a capacity of 18,600 cubic meters. This vessel is set to enhance TotalEnergies' global footprint in bunkering hubs, with a potential deployment in Oman, where the company is advancing the Marsa LNG project aimed at supplying LNG to the maritime sector in the Gulf region.

The newly chartered vessel will cater to a diverse array of vessels, including containerships, tankers, large cruise ships, and ferries. It will operate at TotalEnergies' LNG bunkering hubs while adhering to the highest technical and environmental standards. LNG serves as an effective marine fuel, offering immediate benefits as a transition fuel by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the shipping industry by approximately 20%. Additionally, it significantly enhances air quality by decreasing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by up to 85%, and nearly eliminating sulfur oxides (SOx) and fine particulates by 99%. These advantages are particularly beneficial for port cities, improving the quality of life in coastal communities, especially when vessels are docked.

Currently under construction at Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding in China, the vessel is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026. Once operational, it will join TotalEnergies’ existing fleet of three LNG bunker vessels, which includes the Gas Agility stationed in Rotterdam, the Gas Vitality in Marseille, and the Brassavola in Singapore.

Louise Tricoire, Senior Vice President of Aviation and Marine Fuels at TotalEnergies, expressed pride in the agreement with Ibaizabal, emphasizing its significance in strengthening TotalEnergies' position in the LNG bunkering market. She noted the company's commitment to addressing the rising demand for LNG in the maritime sector as it works towards achieving global shipping’s decarbonization targets.

Jorge Zickermann, CEO of Ibaizabal Group, highlighted the honor of being selected for this project, aligning with the company's strategy to decarbonize the maritime industry in collaboration with a leading LNG provider like TotalEnergies. He underscored the importance of this partnership in enhancing their long-term shipping relationship.

As a sustainable, cost-effective, and readily available fuel option, LNG is poised to play a crucial role in reducing emissions within the shipping sector, especially as TotalEnergies continues to invest in LNG bunkering infrastructure to facilitate this transition for its clients.

TotalEnergies is currently the third-largest player in the global LNG market, with a portfolio of 44 million tons per year (Mt/y) as of 2023, driven by its investments in liquefaction facilities across various regions. The company enjoys a well-integrated position within the LNG value chain, encompassing production, transportation, access to over 20 Mt/y of regasification capacity in Europe, as well as trading and LNG bunkering services.

The company aims to boost the proportion of natural gas in its sales mix to nearly 50% by 2030. This initiative is part of its broader commitment to reduce carbon emissions and eliminate methane emissions throughout the gas value chain. Additionally, TotalEnergies is focused on collaborating with local partners to facilitate the transition from coal to natural gas.