New Bunkering Vessels for Barcelona and Shanghai Emphasize Precise Manoeuvrability
One of the newest vessels in Mureloil’s fleet is Bahía Beatriz, an 8,000-dwt battery-electric hybrid chemical tanker designed for bunkering operations and terminal-to-terminal fuel transport. Delivered by Astilleros de Murueta to Bilbao-based shipowner Mureloil, the chemical tanker joins its sister ship, the 2025-built Bahía Candela. Both tankers are under charter to Reposol, offering the flexibility to transport conventional marine fuels, biofuels, and methanol in the Port of Barcelona.
Bahía Beatriz has two Schottel SRP 360 RudderPropellers and one STT1 Transverse Thruster unit, making it among the first tankers to operate on battery-based diesel-electric power. This enables the tankers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% and operate on stored energy during port calls, bringing emissions down to zero. The chemical tankers are fitted with AYK Energy’s 4.2MWh Aries+ systems, which use lithium iron-phosphate chemistry.
Battery Technology for Emissions Reduction
Battery technology is an effective way for shipowners and operators to meet increasingly stringent port and regional emissions regulations, such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System. Under its approved Energy Transition Plan, the Port of Barcelona plans to cut GHG emissions by 50% by 2030, 85% by 2040, and be carbon neutral by 2050.
Schottel Supplies Larger Rudderpropellers for LNG Bunkering Vessels
In May, Schottel reported it was supplying larger, more powerful rudderpropellers for two new LNG bunkering vessels (LNGBVs) operated by Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG). Each of the 20,000-m3 LNGBVs will be equipped with two SRP 460 LE units.
The two LNGBVs are under construction at China’s Jiangnan Shipyard, with the first delivery scheduled for April 2027. Each bunker vessel will have Wärtsilä Gas Solutions cargo handling, fuel gas supply, and boil-off gas reliquefaction systems. The newbuilds underpin Shanghai’s ambitions as a growing LNG bunkering hub.
Conclusion
The new bunkering vessels for Barcelona and Shanghai emphasize the importance of precise manoeuvrability in maintaining safety margins during ship-to-ship transfer operations. With the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions, battery technology and larger rudderpropellers will play crucial roles in reducing emissions and meeting environmental regulations.
Original Article: Precise manoeuvrability underpins the safety of new bunkering vessels for Barcelona and Shanghai — Rivieramm