Oizmendi carries out first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering at Bilbao

Spain’s Port of Bilbao has conducted its first ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation.

The cement tanker Ireland received 90 cubic metres of LNG from the Oizmendi bunker vessel.

Oizmendi is owned by Itsas Gas, a company formed by the Basque Energy Entity, tug operators Remolcadores Ibaizabal and ship owner Naviera Murueta.

Formerly known as Monte Arucas, Oizmendi was converted to a bunkering barge in a €5.5 million (US$6.8 million) refurbishment.

She is Spain’s first LNG supply ship, and features two 300-cubic metre LNG tanks installed onboard.

Ireland was also the first ship to conduct truck-to-ship LNG bunkering at the port of in March.

The 110-metre Ireland operates on a regular line between Bilbao and the United Kingdom and Ireland.