Maritima Begins Construction of Methanol Bunker Vessel | Mariner News
French bunker company Maritima has commenced construction of the first of two bunker vessels capable of supplying methanol, conventional marine fuels, and biofuels, signaling a tangible expansion of alternative fuel infrastructure in southern France.
The 4,300 DWT vessel, named Cap Morgiou, saw its first steel cutting on October 8 at China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard. Delivery is anticipated in early 2028, following a scheduled launch in 2027.
These vessels, commissioned by Maritima’s customer Petroineos LavĂ©ra, will serve the critical maritime hubs of Marseille, Fos, and Toulon. The second vessel, Cap Janet, is slated to begin construction in approximately six months.
Beyond their multi-fuel bunkering capabilities, both vessels will carry dual certification for oil and chemical products. This feature provides significant operational flexibility, potentially allowing the vessels to diversify their services or simplify regulatory compliance for methanol, which is also classified as a chemical product, thereby enhancing their utility in the evolving alternative fuels landscape.
Jean-Philippe Salducci, deputy chief executive officer of Maritima, highlighted that the fleet renewal will enable the company to supply both existing and future alternative fuels, underscoring a strategic shift towards accommodating the maritime industry’s decarbonization efforts.
