Enagás, through its small-scale LNG supply infrastructure unit, Scale Gas, and the shipping company Knutsen OAS Shipping, are driving the project.

The Port of Barcelona is also promoting the initiative, according to Enagás' statement.

The project is part of the institutional strategy ‘LNGhive2' led by Puertos del Estado and is framed within the European Union's funding mechanism for transportation, Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which has approved €9 million ($190.7 million) for its implementation.

The ship will be owned by Knutsen OAS Shipping and will load and supply LNG at the Enagás LNG terminal in Barcelona under a charter contract with Shell Spain.

Shell expects to double its current LNG bunkering infrastructure on key international trade routes by the mid-2020s, and this vessel will play a key role in that journey as we serve more LNG customers in the Mediterranean.

Shell completed the first LNG ship to ship bunkering in Barcelona in 2019 and looks forward to working with the project partners to ensure the secure delivery of this vessel, demonstrating their capacity and commitment to provide reliable supplies in the area that help meet the growing demand for cleaner fuels.

The vessel will be built by Armon Gijón Shipyard.

Maritime Business World