Fratelli Cosulich books new methanol-ready chemical bunker tankers in China

Italian maritime transportation group Fratelli Cosulich has made a new investment in alternative fuels by ordering two advanced methanol-ready chemical bunkering tankers.

On July 8, the company said it placed an order for two 7,999 dwt IMO Type II chemical bunkering tankers at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding in China.

The vessels will be designed to transport a variety of cargoes, such as fuel oil, biofuels, and methanol. The contract comes with an option for two other additional units in the future.

The first of two methanol-ready vessels is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2026.

“This investment marks another milestone in the Group’s commitment to a sustainable and efficient maritime industry and enhanced fleet operational excellence. Our investment in alternative fuels not only meets regulatory requirements but also exemplifies industry leadership,” the company said.

The newest addition to the fleet comes on the heels of Fratelli Cosulich’s earlier order for its first methanol dual-fueled chemical bunker tanker with a capacity of over 8,000 cubic meters and the ability to carry both green methanol and biofuels.

Set for delivery from Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding in the last quarter of 2025, the newbuild will be located at the Port of Singapore under a fixed-rate time charter contract with global commodities trader Trafigura.

Fratelli Cosulich’s fleet also includes twin small-scale LNG bunker vessels, Alice Cosulich and Paolina Cosulich, which are now fully operational.

Marta Cosulich, the company’s first IMO Type II chemical bunker vessel capable of delivering biofuel and methanol was built by the Chinese yard Zhejiang Shenzhou Sunshine Heavy Industry and delivered on May 9, 2024.