TotalEnergies, MSC Cruises wrap up first LNG bunkering op in Marseille

French energy giant TotalEnergies and cruise operator MSC Cruises, a part of MSC, have completed the first LNG bunkering operation in the Port of Marseille Fos as part of a deal the two firms signed in March 2021.

TotalEnergies Marine Fuels, a unit of TotalEnergies, said in a statement that its chartered LNG bunkering vessel, the 18,600-cbm Gas Vitality, refueled the MSC Cruises vessel, MSC World Europa, via a ship-to-ship transfer of 2,500 cbm of LNG at the port on April 22, while guest operations continued as normal.

The operation marks the start of the previously announced LNG bunker supply contract between TotalEnergies and the cruise division of MSC, as the companies drive forward their respective decarbonization plans.

Under the agreement, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels will supply about 45,000 tons per year of LNG to MSC Cruises’ vessels at Marseille.

“We are excited to support the cruise division of MSC Group in their decarbonization journey and to help the Port of Marseille Fos become an LNG bunker hub for the Mediterranean region,” Philippe Charleux, senior VP lubricants and apecialties at TotalEnergies, said in the statement.

“This operation also expands our LNG bunkering capabilities to the cruise ship segment, demonstrating our ability to serve a broader range of shipping clients, as the industry strives to reduce emissions,” Charleux said.

TotalEnergies, MSC Cruises wrap up first LNG bunkering op in Marseille
Image: TotalEnergies Marine Fuels

Fraance’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique delivered MSC Cruises’ first LNG-powered vessel, MSC World Europa, in October last year.

The 333 meters long MSC World Europa recently started sailing its first summer season in the Mediterranean.

Besides this ship, MSC Cruises will take delivery of its second LNG-powered cruise vessel, MSC Euribia, from Chantiers de l’Atlantique on May 31.

Most Popular

Venture Global gets FERC OK to boost Calcasieu Pass LNG capacity

US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG has received approval from the US FERC to increase the peak liquefaction capacity of its Calcasieu Pass LNG terminal in Louisiana.

Deutsche ReGas, German government reach deal on FSRU charter termination

LNG terminal operator Deutsche ReGas and Germany's Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy have reached a mutual agreement on resolving the sub-charter agreement for the 174,000-cubic-meter FSRU Energos Power.

GasLog, Jiangnan ink LoI for LNG carrier duo

China’s Jiangnan Shipyard has signed a letter of intent with Greek LNG shipping firm GasLog to build two liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, according to shipbuilding sources.

More News Like This

TotalEnergies expands in Malaysia with Petronas deal

French energy giant and LNG player TotalEnergies has entered into a deal with Petronas to buy stakes in multiple blocks offshore Malaysia and one block offshore Indonesia.

Argentina’s Enarsa gets offers for new LNG cargo tender

Argentina's state-owned LNG importer Energia Argentina (Enarsa) has received six offers for its third LNG cargo tender in 2025.

Zhoushan Changhong dellivers MSC’s LNG-powered containership

China’s Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard has delivered MSC’s first LNG dual-fuel containership with a capacity of 11,500 teu.

DSIC delivers MSC’s LNG-fueled containership

China’s Dalian Shipbuilding Industry (DSIC) has delivered a new LNG-fueled containership to Switzerland-based shipping giant MSC.