Green Pearl LNG bunkering vessel starts work in Genoa

The 7,500-m³ LNG bunkering vessel Green Pearl has entered service at the Italian port of Genoa, according to Axpo.

The company said the vessel is intended to conduct both ship-to-ship and ship-to-truck transfers, supplying LNG and bioLNG, with a stated operational focus along the Italian coastline and the Western Mediterranean.

The vessel was commissioned by G&H Shipping Srl, a joint venture between Gas and Heat SpA, San Giorgio del Porto Spa and Sofipa Spa, and is chartered under a long-term agreement.

Axpo set out ship-to-truck transfer as a feature aimed at moving LNG from the bunkering vessel directly to road tankers, as this significantly shortens the distribution chain and facilitates delivery to end users.

Axpo also set out ship-to-ship transfer as the delivery of LNG from a specialised LNG vessel to a larger cargo or container ship, carried out at sea or in designated port areas.

Speaking at the Genoa ceremony, G&H Shipping president Marco Novella linked the delivery to the start of the charter period, “It is with great pride and a sense of responsibility that G&H Shipping officially delivers the new vessel to Axpo as charterer. Today marks the beginning of a long-term partnership, with an initial charter of 10 years, which we hope will double over time,” he said.

Axpo head of small-scale LNG Daniele Corti described the vessel as “the first of its kind in Europe”, adding, “Green Pearl will support the growing demand in the Mediterranean for flexible and efficient bunkering solutions.”