Europe LNG Bunkering Market

Rapid expansion of ferries in Europe is driving market growth

Vessels used to transport freight over water are called ferries. Passenger ferries are utilized for transportation as water taxis or buses. In addition to the double-ended, hydrofoil, hovercraft, catamaran, roll-on/roll-off, cruise ferry (RoPax), rapid RoPax ferry, and others, there are various types of ferries. Additionally, the main fuels used by these boats are marine gas oil and heavy fuel oil. Notwithstanding, governmental mandates concerning the discharge of sulfur, carbon dioxide, and additional contaminants promote the utilization of LNG as a marine fuel.

A rise in LNG-fueled ferries and OSVs is anticipated during the next five years, given the volume of orders for these vessels. During the projection period, there is a chance that the need for LNG bunkering services would rise. The European Commission created the European Green Deal in 2019, a package of legislative measures aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in Europe by the year 2050. It highlights the use of LNG as fuel for vehicles and marine vessels and briefly highlights the significance of LNG in accomplishing this goal.‏

In the market for LNG bunkering, innovation is a major trend that is growing in popularity. To maintain their position in the market, major players are concentrating on introducing novel activities, such as ship-to-containership LNG bunkering. In January 2022, for example, the first ship-to-containership LNG bunkering operation in Marseilles was initiated by the French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM and the integrated energy and petroleum company TotalEnergies.

During cargo operations, TotalEnergies' Gas Vitality, the first LNG bunker vessel based in France, refueled CMA CGM BALI, a 15, 000 TEU LNG-powered containership on the MEX 1 service connecting Asia and South Europe, with approximately 6, 000m3 of LNG through a ship-to-ship transfer alongside the Eurofos container terminal. Thus, driving the LNG bunkering market revenue.

Europe held a sizable portion of the world market for LNG bunkering. This is explained by the region's early use of LNG as a maritime fuel and the existence of emission control areas (ECAs). Additionally, strict environmental rules are being framed by European nations to reduce air pollution, which is anticipated to promote the use of LNG as a maritime fuel in the area. Moreover, the growing need for LNG to lessen the maritime industry's carbon impact is a major driver of the LNG bunkering market.

Moreover, LNG is a superior substitute fuel, and governments have been implementing measures to accommodate LNG.  Furthermore, strict environmental rules are being framed by European nations to reduce air pollution, which is anticipated to promote the use of LNG as a maritime fuel in the area.

Figure 2: Europe Lng Bunkering Market Share By Region 2022 (Usd Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the LNG bunkering market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their  footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, LNG bunkering industry must offer cost-effective items.