Port of Civitavecchia completes first LNG bunkering for cruise ship

The Port of Civitavecchia has successfully completed its first ship-to-ship (STS) liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation. The procedure involved transferring approximately 750 cubic meters of LNG from the vessel Green Pearl to the cruise ship Silver Ray at pier 18.

This milestone is part of the port's broader energy transition and decarbonization strategy, aimed at supporting the maritime sector's shift toward lower-impact alternative fuels. The operation was conducted under a regulatory framework established by the Port Authority through Ordinance no. 47 on May 15, 2026, which governs LNG and Bio-LNG ship-to-ship bunkering in the port.

The successful execution followed rigorous safety assessments and risk evaluations involving the Coast Guard, the Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port System Authority, and the Rome Provincial Fire Department. Officials noted that this capability enhances the port's competitiveness as a Mediterranean cruise hub and aligns with European decarbonization goals.