Hercules Tanker Management (HTM) on Wednesday (2 September) said its latest Ultra-Spec Series of next-generation tankers, Hercules Vanessa, has commenced her maiden voyage.

HTM is the shipping venture launched by John A. Bassadone, founder and CEO of independent marine fuel supplier Peninsula.

The 10-vessel programme forms part of the company’s long-term fleet renewal strategy, replacing ageing tonnage with more efficient vessels while delivering the future-ready capability needed to support the maritime industry’s evolving energy landscape. 

Designed for worldwide deployment, the series can transport and supply conventional marine fuels as well as alternative fuels up to B100 and methanol. 

Hercules Vanessa is also the first in the series to feature MarineLINE, a high-performance cargo tank coating system. 

The vessel is currently en route to Port Louis to take bunkers and provisions before continuing southbound towards Cape Town. It is scheduled to discharge a cargo of biofuel, loaded at Nansha Terminal in China, in Ghent later this year.

“HTM’s Ultra-Spec Series continues to gather momentum as we build a modern fleet capable of supporting cleaner marine fuel supply chains,” the company said. 

Related: Hercules Tanker Management launches ‘Ultra-Spec Series’ bunker tanker “Harriet”

Photo credit: Hercules Tanker Management
Published: 3 September, 2026

Avenir LNG on Tuesday (1 September) announced the completion of the transaction first announced in March, establishing Avenir LNG as a 50/50 joint venture between NYK Line and Stolt-Nielsen.

The partnership brings together the global reach, expertise and capabilities of two leading maritime groups, providing an even stronger platform from which Avenir can continue to grow.

“For Avenir, our focus remains clear: expanding our global LNG bunkering and small-scale LNG activities, accelerating the adoption of Bio-LNG, and helping our customers navigate the transition towards lower-carbon shipping,” the company said. 

“We are incredibly proud of what the Avenir team has built to date and excited about what this new partnership makes possible.”

With the completion of the transaction, NYK said it has established a joint ownership and operating structure with Stolt-Nielsen for Avenir LNG, an operator in the LNG bunkering sector with one of the world’s largest fleets of LNG bunker vessels.

“The joint venture will pursue opportunities in LNG and bio-LNG bunkering, supporting the maritime industry’s transition to lower-emission fuels,” NYK said in a separate statement. 

Photo credit: Avenir LNG
Published: 2 September, 2026

The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) recently released its latest edition of frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the bunkering of biofuels for ocean-going vessels in the Port of Singapore. 

This update covers the latest technical, commercial, test and regulatory guidance of biofuel bunkering and onboard use of marine biofuels. 

The focus of the document is on FAME-based liquid biofuels and blends as this type of biofuel is expected to become most widely adopted by the shipping industry. Other non-FAME-based biofuels have also been addressed where relevant.

It also covers commercial considerations, including biofuel supply and availability, market outlook, pricing, sustainability documentation, government incentives, and the commercial supply chain for biofuels in Singapore.

“This publication is relevant to technical, marine, operations, sustainability and compliance personnel of ship owners and operators,” SSA said in a social media post.

“The FAQ is intended to be only for informational purposes and is not exhaustive.”

Note: SSA’s ‘FAQ on Bunkering of Biofuels for Ocean-Going Vessels in the Port of Singapore’ can be read here. 

Photo credit: Singapore Shipping Association
Published: 1 September, 2026