- A New Zealand port subsidiary has signed a shipbuilding contract for a new bunkering vessel worth $50 million.
- The vessel will support biodiesel and methanol alongside conventional low-sulphur marine fuels.
- Delivery is scheduled for late 2027 as demand grows for lower-carbon refuelling options.
A new $50m bunkering vessel has been ordered to support the transition toward alternative marine fuels in New Zealand. The project introduces a tanker designed to supply biodiesel and methanol as well as low-sulphur fuel and marine diesel.
According to the port’s leadership, the investment reflects expectations that shipping customers will require more sustainable fuel choices over the coming years, and the vessel is intended to provide a practical pathway to reduced-carbon operations.
Contract Signed and Delivery Timeline Set
The order has been placed with a shipyard in Turkey, with construction now confirmed. The newbuild will be an 88.8-metre Class II chemical tanker set for delivery in late 2027.
Once in service, the vessel will replace the current bunkering ship, which has operated for nearly two decades, and will begin a long-term charter with a fuel provider.
Supporting the Shift in Marine Energy
The order arrives as ports and shipping lines face increasing pressure to prepare for low-carbon fuels, ranging from methanol to future alternatives that align with regulatory plans and customer sustainability targets.
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Source: Portnews
