Naturgy (Spanish multinational natural gas and electrical energy utilities company) and Enagás (Spanish energy company) have agreed to construct and charter a new liquefied natural gas supply vessel, the 'Mistral LNG', positioning the Iberian Peninsula as a strategic southern European hub for sustainable maritime fuelling.

The agreement, announced in January 2026, involves Enagás subsidiary Scale Green Energy building and operating the vessel, which Naturgy will charter under a long-term contract beginning in 2028.

Vessel Specifications and Operational Scope

The Mistral LNG will carry a cargo capacity of 18,900 cubic meters and measure 138.8 meters in length. The vessel will be fitted with a dual-fuel engine, a service speed of 13 knots, and a range exceeding 4,500 nautical miles.

It is designed to deliver both LNG and bio-LNG fuel and will be equipped with advanced technology aimed at minimising emissions and optimising operational efficiency.

Scale Green Energy (specialized subsidiary of Enagás) commenced construction of the vessel in early 2026. Once completed, the Mistral LNG will primarily operate across the Iberian Peninsula, with additional operations in the Strait of Gibraltar, the Canary Islands, and other Atlantic destinations.

Strategic Positioning for Both Companies

For Naturgy, the agreement establishes the company as a strategic operator in the Iberian LNG bunkering market, a segment it expects to experience exponential growth in the coming years.

The company cited its extensive knowledge of the energy supply sector and its role as Spain's main importer of natural gas as the foundations for this positioning.

For Enagás, the addition of the Mistral LNG through its Scale Green Energy subsidiary reinforces its standing as a leading LNG bunkering shipowner in southern Europe.

The new vessel will join an existing fleet of three: the Levante LNG, the Alisios LNG, and the Haugesund Knutsen. The company said the project contributes to the European strategy to reduce emissions in maritime transport and aligns with growing LNG infrastructure development across Spain.

Spain's seven regasification plants are already adapted to supply LNG for bunkering purposes. Facilities in Barcelona, Cartagena, Huelva, and Gijón have already begun supplying bio-LNG to vessels and tankers.

Regulatory Context and Market Demand

The project is designed to help meet growing demand for alternative fuels in maritime transport while supporting compliance with new European regulations that require progressive emission reductions tied to maritime fuels.

According to figures cited in the announcement, orders for LNG and bio-LNG-powered vessels doubled in 2024 compared to 2023. Demand for LNG bunkering is forecast to continue rising across the Iberian Peninsula in the years ahead.

Both companies described LNG and bio-LNG as the best-positioned alternative fuels to lead the energy transition in maritime transport, citing a projected expansion in both fleet size and bunkering infrastructure.

Environmental Claims

The announcement outlined a set of emissions comparisons between LNG and traditional maritime fuels. According to the companies, LNG eliminates 100 percent of sulfur oxide emissions, reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 80 to 90 percent, and cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent compared to conventional fuels.

The use of LNG as a maritime fuel in Spain, they stated, could reduce around two million tonnes of CO2 by 2030, a reduction they said would be equivalent to introducing more than one million electric vehicles onto the market.

Discover Latest Oil and Gas Projects Around the World With Ease

Are you seeking reliable, up-to-date insights into upcoming oil and gas projects Worldwide?

Explore the Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research, your go-to resource for the latest oil and gas projects and tenders across all stages:

• Upcoming Projects

• Tender Notices

• Contract Awards

• Projects Under Construction

• Completed Projects

Book a Free Demo today and see how the GPT platform can help you unlock opportunities and achieve your business goals.