TotalEnergies Marketing Middle East has time-chartered a 750 cbm hybrid lubricants bunkering barge from Tristar Group for its Lubmarine division’s ship-to-ship (STS) operations in Fujairah, UAE, with commercial service beginning on October 1, 2025.

The Tristar Eco Voyager features a hybrid propulsion system combining electric and biofuel power and is supported by an advanced powertrain. The companies claim this arrangement can reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 35% compared to conventional barges operating solely on low-sulphur marine gas oil (LSMGO), assuming a 50:50 biofuel-to-electricity operating profile.

The vessel was built at Akdeniz Shipyard in Mersin, Türkiye, and departed on its maiden voyage in late July for Fujairah, where it will replace Lubmarine’s existing STS lubricants barge.

According to TotalEnergies, the Port of Fujairah is planning to expand the number of high-capacity electric charging installations, enabling the barge to operate primarily on shore-supplied electricity and further limit CO₂ emissions.

Louise Tricoire, Vice-President of the Lubmarine Business Unit, said: "We are absolutely delighted to commence operations with the new Tristar Eco Voyager, continuing our long-standing partnership with Tristar. The barge not only expands our capacity for ship-to-ship delivery of high-quality lubricants in Fujairah, but its cutting-edge design, including an electric main powertrain, also clearly demonstrates our leadership in advancing sustainable marine operations."

Eugene Mayne, Founder and CEO of the Tristar Group, commented: "We at Tristar are proud to extend our decades-long relationship with TotalEnergies with a pioneering solution addressing our shared focus on a greener future. Tristar Eco Voyager's innovative technical characteristics answer TotalEnergies' desire for low-carbon shipping, enabling us to deliver the first vessel of its kind in the region."

The emissions reduction estimate is based on tank-to-wake methodology, covering Greenhouse Gas Scope 1 and 2, with the carbon intensity of electricity generated from LNG sourced from EcoInvent data.

Thomas Vigneron, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Middle East, commented: "Collaborating with Tristar Group to launch the region's inaugural hybrid bunkering barge not only enhances our operational capabilities but also highlights our steadfast dedication to fostering positive change in the UAE through the adoption of innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers."

TotalEnergies Marketing Middle East is a Dubai-based subsidiary of TotalEnergies active in manufacturing and marketing automotive, industrial, and marine lubricants across the Middle East and Central Asia. Its Lubmarine division supplies marine lubricants to more than 1,000 ports worldwide.