October 9, French logistics group Sogestran has awarded a newbuilding contract to China Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard for two 4,500 cbm next-generation bunker vessels. The order, finalized after nearly two years of bidding and evaluation, is part of the company’s fleet renewal strategy to enhance its fuel supply capabilities in Southern France.
The new vessels, designed by Deltamarin Shanghai and classed by Bureau Veritas, are tailored to optimize operations at the Petroineos refinery jetties in Lavera. They will replace three older bunkering vessels—Florence B, Tatiana B, and Cap Pinede—currently operated by Sogestran’s subsidiary Maritima under a long-term partnership with Petroineos.
Steel cutting for the first vessel is scheduled for November 2026, with launch in 2027. With delivery of the first vessel expected in early 2028, the newbuilds will support Petroineos’ bunkering activities across the ports of Fos, Marseille, and Toulon.
The vessels will feature diesel-electric propulsion driven by three smart generator sets, a configuration that optimizes fuel consumption for short-sea operations. This system has previously been adopted by Sogestran on the Pointe de Caux, delivered in 2022.
Manoeuvrability will be enhanced by two electric azimuth thrusters at the stern and a bow tunnel thruster. The ships will also be equipped with shore power connectivity to reduce emissions during port stays.
Crew comfort has been prioritized, with modern amenities such as private en-suite cabins and an onboard gym.
Certified for both oil and chemical transport, the vessels can carry up to three different types of products simultaneously—from conventional marine diesel and fuel oils to low-carbon alternatives such as B24, B100, HVO, and e-Methanol.
This flexibility aligns with the shared decarbonization objectives of Sogestran and Petroineos, positioning the new vessels to meet both current and future fuel supply requirements.