Hafnia to receive first of four dual-fuel methanol MR tankers next month

Product tanker owner and operator Hafnia recently announced the first of four 49,800 deadweight dual-fuel Methanol Chemical IMOII Medium-Range (MR) newbuilds is set for delivery in January 2025, following the successful completion of construction and sea trials.

Hafnia previously announced an order with joint venture partner Socatra of France for the four vessels, constructed out of Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), in China.

“These vessels mark an important step in Hafnia’s decarbonization journey, bringing the option for methanol fuel to reduce emissions over time,” the firm said on its website.  

As dual-fuel vessels, these ships can use both conventional fuel and methanol, enabling a transition to more sustainable fuel options as green methanol becomes more widely available.

In addition, further innovations to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of these vessels are being evaluated. The exploration includes concepts for shaft generators and Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS), with space allocated for rotor sails. 

The vessels are also equipped for future shore power connections, with dedicated areas in the engine room to accommodate transformer sections for high-voltage shore power, contingent on infrastructure capabilities at ports.

The four new buildings will be time-chartered from Ecomar to TotalEnergies for a multi-year period, continuing and strengthening the Ecomar partners’ long-standing partnership with the leading energy company. The first three vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2025, with the fourth vessel following in 2026.

Related: Hafnia and Socatra of France order methanol dual-fuel MR tankers from Chinese shipyard

Photo credit: Hafnia
Published: 10 December, 2024