A milestone for LNG bunkering in Central America was reached last week when Carnival Cruise Line’s LNG-powered vessel, the Carnival Jubilee, completed the first-ever ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation at Roatan, Honduras, according to Ship & Bunker.
A Historic First for Roatan
The operation was carried out by Francesco Scarso, senior first engineer and LNG engineer at Carnival Cruise Line, who documented the achievement on LinkedIn. Scarso described his role as Person in Charge (PIC) for the inaugural STS LNG bunkering at the Honduran port location.
“Executing a cryogenic transfer for an Excel-class vessel in a brand-new location brings immense responsibility,” Scarso wrote, noting the complexity of the operation. Coordination with port authorities, the management of strict safety zones, and ensuring emergency shutdown (ESD) link integration were among the key requirements cited.
What Made This Operation Significant
The Carnival Jubilee is described as Carnival Cruise Line’s LNG-powered flagship. Performing an LNG bunkering call at a location where no such operation had previously taken place requires significant logistical and safety preparation. According to Ship & Bunker, the successful completion marks Roatan as a new point on the LNG bunkering map in the Americas.
Looking Ahead: The Bio-LNG Question
While LNG has become more accessible as an alternative marine fuel compared to options such as methanol or ammonia, Ship & Bunker notes that vessels like the Carnival Jubilee may eventually need to transition toward lower-carbon alternatives. Bio-LNG, which can be used as a drop-in fuel in existing LNG-fuelled ships, is highlighted as a potential pathway as emissions regulations continue to tighten globally.
Does This Matter to You?
The expansion of LNG bunkering infrastructure into new geographic locations such as Roatan signals a gradual broadening of the LNG supply network in the Caribbean and Central American region. For those tracking alternative fuel adoption, bunkering logistics, or port capability developments in the Americas, this operation represents a concrete step forward. The successful completion of a technically demanding STS LNG transfer at a new location also illustrates the growing operational capacity within the LNG bunkering ecosystem.
As regulatory pressure around vessel emissions intensifies, the compatibility of existing LNG infrastructure with bio-LNG may become an increasingly relevant consideration for fleet planning and fuel procurement decisions.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
