Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 14, Edison and CMA CGM completed Italy’s first ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation for a container vessel at the Port of Trieste. Edison’s LNG carrier Ravenna Knutsen supplied fuel to the CMA CGM Salamanque, an LNG-powered containership operating in the Mediterranean.

CMA CGM, a global shipping and logistics leader, continues to support the sector’s energy transition. The group operates a large fleet of dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels, reducing carbon emissions by up to 85% and preparing for the future adoption of low-carbon fuels such as biogas and e-methane. The partnership between Edison and CMA CGM aims to encourage wider use of LNG-powered ships across Italian ports.

Fabrizio Mattana, Executive Vice President of Gas Assets at Edison, said: “The first bunkering of a containership in the Adriatic demonstrates the extreme operational flexibility achieved by Edison in recent years and its ability to open new market segments in Italy. We are proud of this achievement and see great potential in this sector, where the next step will be the growing contribution of BioGNL. The excellent collaboration with the Port Authority and the relevant authorities in the Adriatic Sea is certainly accelerating market development in this area.”

The Ravenna Knutsen, in service for Edison since 2021, is a 30,000-cubic-metre LNG carrier designed for adaptability and safety. It can refuel a variety of vessels and depots under multiple configurations, demonstrating operational flexibility in maritime LNG supply.

LNG remains a key transitional fuel in reducing emissions from maritime transport. Its use aligns with EU ETS Maritime, FuelEU Maritime, and International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations. While LNG provides a near-term emissions reduction, bio-LNG and synthetic LNG are viewed as future zero-emission alternatives.

The operation at Trieste illustrates the growing role of LNG in decarbonising shipping in Italy and across the Adriatic region. Edison’s infrastructure and CMA CGM’s fleet expansion highlight the industry’s shift towards cleaner fuels and the development of sustainable port services.

In addition to maritime fuel operations, CMA CGM has strengthened its logistics solutions by expanding its rail network linking Central Europe through the Adriatic. This complements the company’s commitment to efficient and flexible transport solutions while supporting the transition to lower-carbon energy in shipping.

The successful bunkering operation marks a milestone for Italy’s maritime sector, combining advanced LNG infrastructure, operational expertise, and regulatory compliance. It also signals opportunities for further adoption of LNG and bio-LNG, encouraging sustainable growth in European shipping and supporting environmental goals across ports and transport corridors.

By integrating LNG refuelling with broader logistics services, Edison and CMA CGM demonstrate how energy transition efforts can be combined with operational efficiency, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient maritime transport sector.