On December 30, Spanish shipowner Mureloil announced that it had signed a contract with Astilleros de Murueta for the construction of a new hybrid chemical tanker. The shipbuilding contract was signed on December 18.
The new vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2027, to be classed by Bureau Veritas (BV) and fly the Spanish flag. Upon delivery, it will be deployed in Portuguese waters for marine fuel bunkering operations, specifically biofuel and methanol bunkering.
According to Mureloil, this type of bunkering vessel follows the latest innovative concepts, boasts high efficiency, and is equipped with a battery-powered hybrid propulsion system that allows for several hours of purely electric navigation. It will also be equipped with a shore power connection system, enabling clean port operations and significantly reducing emissions and environmental impact.
According to its official website, Astilleros de Murueta is a privately owned shipbuilding company with over 75 years of history, specializing in the design and construction of various types of vessels. To date, it has built and delivered more than 300 ships.