New Zealand’s Port of Auckland Limited subsidiary Seafuels has announced the signing of a shipbuilding contract that will enable shipping lines to refuel with more sustainable options.
The shipbuilding contract is with ADA DENIZCILIK VE TERSANE ISLETMECILIGI A.S., based in Tuzla, Turkey.
As informed, the new 88.8m tanker will be an IMO class II chemical tanker with delivery expected in late 2027.
The new ordered vessel will replace Seafuels’ current bunkering vessel Awanuia, which will have served Auckland for 18 years.
The new $50m project includes the new bunkering vessel which will have the ability to provide two new environmentally friendly fuels, biodiesel and methanol, as well as continuing to supply low-sulphur fuel and marine diesel oil.
Upon her delivery the bunkering tanker will begin a long-term charter with a large fuel provider.
Roger Gray, Port of Auckland CEO, says that “This tanker is a significant investment in the port’s future and a big milestone in our sustainability journey. We have worked with our shipping line customers to understand their future fuel needs and we’re pleased to be able to offer a practical tool toward lower-carbon intensive shipping.”
