The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti) has published the “Guidelines for Ship-to-Ship Bunkering of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Bio-LNG in Italian Ports” marking the first time in the European Union that standardized national rules for LNG and Bio-LNG bunkering have been introduced across all ports in a country.
The use of LNG and Bio-LNG in the maritime sector has recently gained significant momentum, as natural gas presents an immediate solution for diversifying traditional fuels. This move aims to reduce CO₂ and NOₓ emissions while eliminating particulate matter (PM) and sulfur oxides (SOₓ) emissions, according to the Ministry.
Announced on 28 May, this regulatory development represents a turning point not only for Italy’s maritime industry but also for the broader European strategy to transition toward low-emission fuels and promote port sustainability.
The newly issued guidelines are designed to ensure high safety standards, environmental responsibility and operational clarity for ship-to-ship (STS) refueling activities involving LNG and its renewable counterpart, bio-LNG.
The rules provide clear criteria for local Maritime Authorities (Capitanerie di Porto) to apply in port regulations across the country covering:
- Safety protocols for ship-to-ship LNG and Bio-LNG bunkering
- Risk mitigation and emergency response planning
- Compatibility procedures between supplying and receiving vessels
- Staff training and certification requirements
- Operational zoning and environmental protections
These guidelines were developed collaboratively by the Ministry and the General Command of the Port Authorities, the National Fire Brigade (Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco) and leading industry associations, ensuring both regulatory and practical applicability.
