The first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation in France has taken place with one of the world''s first LNG-powered cruise ships.
Costa Smeralda, operated by Carnival Group's Costa, was refuelled by Anthony Veder’s Coral Methane bunker vessel, operated by Shell, in the Port of Marseille Fos. Shell supplied the LNG under contract with Carnival.
Amaury de Maupeou, the Marseille Fos Port Authority Commander, said: "We are all proud to have been able to complete this operation smoothly and safely. It has required studies, instructions and procedures to be agreed with the various players, and in line with European and global standards.
"This is a first in France and proves to what extent, even during the current health crisis, we are capable of supporting the development of LNG, which is one of the measures deployed by the Port of Marseille Fos to reduce its environmental impact."
“We are happy that our new LNG powered flagship Costa Smeralda was part of this new milestone for the Port of Marseille in partnership with Shell,” said Franco Porcellacchia, sustainable innovation and infrastructure development vice president Costa Group. “Carnival and Costa specifically have been the first cruise operator to invest in sustainable innovation with LNG and continue to be committed to ensuring the highest environmental standards for a more sustainable future of cruising."
