Italy's Fratelli Cosulich has commenced construction of its second chemical bunker tanker, with the steel cutting ceremony for the Lucia Cosulich taking place on July 9 at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in China.

The vessel is a 7,999 deadweight tonne (DWT) IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker that the company claims will be fully methanol-ready. According to Fratelli Cosulich, the ship will be equipped with safety systems designed to support clean fuel bunkering operations.

The Lucia Cosulich represents the second vessel of this type in the company's fleet development programme. Fratelli Cosulich describes the project as part of its journey towards next-generation marine energy solutions.

The vessel is being constructed at the Chinese shipyard Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., with the company stating that the design focuses on efficiency and regulatory compliance for future fuel operations.

The activities of Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy cover bunker trading, shipowning, and ship management services, whilst also acting as a physical supplier in Singapore.

The company has been expanding its fleet capabilities to accommodate alternative fuels as the shipping industry transitions towards cleaner energy sources.