Tue 9 Dec 2025, 07:45 GMT | Updated: Tue 9 Dec 2025, 09:04 GMT | Evangelia Fragouli

Landmark methanol-powered bunkering vessel departs shipyard


World's first methanol-powered IMO II chemical bunker tanker begins operations after completion of construction phase.


Maya Cosulich vessel.
The Maya Cosulich bunker tanker has departed Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China to begin operations. Pictured: The Maya Cosulich bunker tanker. Image credit: Fratelli Cosulich

Italy's Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy announced on 4 December that its newly built bunker tanker, Maya Cosulich, has officially departed the shipyard, marking the start of the vessel’s operational journey.

Launched on 9 October at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China, the vessel is the world's first methanol-powered IMO II chemical bunker tanker.

With a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 7,990 tonnes, Maya Cosulich employs diesel-electric propulsion with onboard battery storage and dual-fuel generators for methanol and conventional fuels. Designed by SeaTech Solutions International, the vessel also includes two mass flow meters (MFMs) for precise fuel delivery, complying with Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) methanol bunkering standards. It is expected to enter service in Singapore by late 2025 under time charter to TFG Marine.

According to the company, the departure represents a key milestone for the project team, who oversaw the vessel’s development from the first steel plate through to completion. Cosulich described the moment as one of "great pride," acknowledging the months of coordinated engineering and construction effort that went into the build.

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

Earlier this year, in July, construction of the firm's second chemical bunker tanker, the 7,999-dwt methanol-ready Lucia Cosulich, commenced at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding in China.

And in August, the keel laying ceremony for another 7,999-dwt methanol-ready bunker tanker, Anna Cosulich, also took place at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard.



Seaspan Lions (STS) LNG bunkering operation. Low-GHG methane could keep LNG-capable fleet compliant as regulations tighten, DNV paper argues  

Biomethane and e-methane offer a compliance pathway for LNG-capable ships, says DNV.

HaiSea Kermode and Valencia Knutsen vessel at sea. HaiSea's fleet of electric and dual-fuel tugboats completes 100th LNG carrier escort into Kitimat  

The Haisla Nation and Seaspan joint venture marks one year of LNG carrier escort operations in British Columbia.

Mount Vision naming ceremony. Naming ceremony held for LNG dual-fuel VLCC Mount Vision  

Crude oil tanker named in ceremony held in China.

Green Pearl and Cielo Ace ship-to-ship (STS) bio-LNG bunkering operation. MOL signs bio-LNG supply deals for car carriers across Northern Europe and Mediterranean  

Japanese shipping group expands bio-LNG bunkering to Spanish ports as part of its net-zero strategy.

Dan-Bunkering logo. Dan-Bunkering launches two-year trainee programme for aspiring marine fuel traders  

Bunker firm is recruiting trainees for an August 2026 start across its European offices.

Tower Bridge, London. Chevron hiring London-based marine fuels marketer with renewable fuels remit  

Applications open until 30 June for role involving the marketing of physical bunker fuels with a focus on Europe.

Burando Energies logo. Burando Energies seeks operator to support Rotterdam bunkering activities  

New hire will be responsible for planning, coordinating and monitoring operational activities across the firm's bunkering business.

Tommy Slette, Bart Vos and Koen Boerdijk. Corvus Energy to supply battery systems for two new Scylla Shipping river cruise vessels  

Norwegian battery supplier extends its partnership with Swiss river cruise operator Scylla Shipping.

Lucent Pathfinder vessel. NYK signs time-charter deal for two dual-fuel LPG-powered VLGCs  

Singapore subsidiary will provide gas carriers to carry Louisiana-produced ammonia to Japan.

Panos Mitrou and Yoshikazu Kondo. MOL wins LR technology award for wind-assisted propulsion on LNG carriers  

Lloyd’s Register honours Mitsui O.S.K. Lines for its Wind Challenger decarbonisation work.