Spanish fuel supplier Cepsa has held a presentation and blessing ceremony for the hybrid electric-diesel supply vessel ‘Bahía Levante’ together with the Spanish shipowner Mureloil.
The vessel, which is operating in the Bay of Algeciras, has already carried out 315 refuellings, and is the first vessel of its kind to supply marine fuels in Europe. The Bahía Levante is equipped with four generator sets that allow electric propulsion, making it possible to reduce fuel consumption by 30% and GHG emissions by more than 35% compared to a conventional supply ship, which helps to avoid the annual emission of more than 2000t of CO2. In addition, thanks to a battery system for auxiliary services in port, it generates zero carbon emissions when docked.
In addition to these environmental advantages, there are also those associated with the supply of second-generation biofuels, which can be supplied by this vessel. These sustainable fuels can be used without the need for ship modifications and are capable of reducing GHG emissions over the entire life cycle by up to 90% compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Samir Fernández, director of Cepsa’s Marine Fuel Solutions, said: “This vessel reflects Cepsa’s commitment to the decarbonisation of maritime transport and ports, especially Andalusian ports. We want to continue to be at the forefront of marine fuel sourcing, offering our customers increasingly sustainable solutions through ships that are also more sustainable.”
Jose Luis Caraballo, CEO of Mureloil, said: “The ship represents a great commitment by Mureloil to a more sustainable future and shows our commitment to the protection of our seas and the environment. Our goal for the future is to continue building the ships incorporating the innovations and new technologies that are developed to achieve an emission-neutral ship.”
Gerardo Landaluce, president of the Algeciras Bay Port Authority, said: “The Port of Algeciras supplies its customers with around 4m tonnes of fuel, much of it low sulphur since before the entry into force of the IMO 2020 regulation, thus leading the market in the Mediterranean. The objective is to consolidate Algeciras as the best alternative for refuelling in the Strait of Gibraltar, supporting projects such as Cepsa and Mureoil, which in addition to reducing their emissions during operations, guarantee the supply of fuels both for transition and for the future”.
The EU Fit for 55 package includes the ‘FuelEU Maritime’ legislative initiative, which aims to reduce the GHG emission intensity of maritime transport. Specifically, it envisages a reduction of 2% in 2025, 6% in 2030 and 80% in 2050, compared to 2020 levels. Also, from 2030, it will oblige ships to connect to a port electricity supply to cover their electricity needs while docked at the quayside, unless they use another zero-emission technology.
Cepsa offers a diversified portfolio of solutions to facilitate the decarbonisation of maritime transport that, in addition to biofuels, includes products such as LNG. In addition, Cepsa will be able to supply synthetic marine fuels, such as green ammonia or methanol, in the future, which the company will produce in the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley, one of the largest green hydrogen projects in Europe.
