AD Ports Group has completed its first ship-to-ship (STS) liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at Khalifa Port, marking a significant step in advancing alternative marine fuels and sustainable maritime practices in Abu Dhabi.

The operation involved the simultaneous refueling of the container vessel MSC Thais, berthed at Abu Dhabi Terminals, with LNG by the dedicated bunker vessel Green Zeebrugge. The fuel was supplied by marine energy provider Monjasa.

Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, said, “By adhering to the highest safety and environmental standards, AD Ports Group and Monjasa are ensuring that shipowners have reliable access to a diversified fuel mix that supports their decarbonisation objectives. AD Ports Group will continue to explore and implement forward-looking solutions that drive progress toward global sustainability goals.”

LNG is increasingly seen as a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels, offering significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, along with lower levels of sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter.

AD Ports Group and Monjasa plan to expand LNG bunkering services across Abu Dhabi’s commercial ports, including cruise vessel operations at Zayed Port. In addition to LNG, they will offer a broad range of marine fuels, including Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), Marine Gas Oil (MGO), and High-Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO).

The STS bunkering operation was conducted in accordance with international standards, following protocols set by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO).

This achievement contributes to Abu Dhabi’s efforts to advance the global transition to cleaner energy and supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.