TotalEnergies debuts new Tristar-owned hybrid lubricants bunkering barge

TotalEnergies Marketing Middle East, a fully owned subsidiary of TotalEnergies based in Dubai, on Wednesday (19 November) introduced a first-of-its-type 750 cubic metre hybrid lubricants bunkering barge.

The barge has been time chartered from Tristar Group to supplement its Lubmarine division’s ship-to-ship operations in the port of Fujairah, UAE as of 1 October.

The Tristar Eco Voyager, featuring an innovative hybrid engine design that combines electric and biofuel power) coupled with an advanced powertrain, will significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel propulsion barges. 

Following her construction in Turkey’s largest shipyard of Akdeniz, the Tristar Eco Voyager left Turkey on her maiden voyage in late July to her home port Fujairah where she will soon replace Lubmarine’s barge currently operating in the port.

Thanks to its hybrid propulsion system, the new barge can reduce CO₂ emissions by about 35%*, if based on a 50:50 balanced use of biofuel and electricity, compared to a conventional barge operating exclusively on Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO).

Moreover, the port of Fujairah plans to increase the number of electric charging installations, which will enable the barge to operate almost entirely on electricity and further reduce CO2 emissions.

Louise Tricoire, Director of Lubmarine, said: “We are absolutely delighted to commence operations with the new Tristar Eco Voyager and continue our long-standing partnership with Tristar.”

“The barge not only expands our capacity for ship-to-ship delivery of high-quality lubricants in Fujairah, but its cutting-edge design including electric main powertrain also clearly demonstrates our leadership in advancing sustainable marine operations,” she added.

“We at Tristar are proud to extend our decades-long relationship with TotalEnergies with a pioneering solution addressing our shared focus on a greener future. Tristar Eco Voyager’s innovative technical characteristics answer TotalEnergies’ desire for low-carbon shipping, enabling us to deliver the first vessel of its kind in the region,” expressed Tristar Group CEO Eugene Mayne.

Thomas Vigneron, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Middle East, said: “Collaborating with Tristar Group to launch the region’s inaugural hybrid bunkering barge not only enhances our operational capabilities but also highlights our steadfast dedication to fostering positive change in the UAE through the adoption of innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers.”

Photo credit: TotalEnergies
Published: 20 November, 2025