Sleipnir crane vessel being fuelled with LNG
Rotterdam LNG bunkering demand soars
Europe’s largest bunkering port is reaping the rewards of exponential growth in LNG fuelling
Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, has more than trebled LNG bunkering volumes in the first half of the year, defying the coronavirus-induced economic slowdown that has hit its main cargo activities. Demand for cleaner marine fuels has risen sharply since the start of the year, when International Maritime Organization rules came into force restricting its sulphur content to 0.5pc. LNG bunkering volumes at Rotterdam rose to 93,713m³ in the first half of 2020, up from 26,146m³ moved over the same period last year, port data shows. This year’s six-month volumes are already 30pc above sales for 2019 as a whole. By comparison, total cargo throughput—the port’s bread-and-butter business—fell by 9.1
Also in this section
19 March 2026
The regional crisis highlights the undervalued role of fixed pipelines in the age of tanker flexibility
18 March 2026
Rising LNG exports and AI-driven power demand have raised concerns that US gas prices could climb sharply, but analysts say abundant shale supply and continued productivity gains should keep Henry Hub within a range that preserves the competitiveness of US LNG
18 March 2026
Risks of shortages in oil products may cause world leaders to panic and make mistakes instead of letting the market do what it does best
17 March 2026
The crisis in the Middle East has put LNG’s ability to offer security and flexibility under uncomfortable scrutiny
