Hafnia and French partner Socatra have taken delivery of Ecomar Gironde, completing their four-vessel newbuilding programme of dual-fuel methanol-capable chemical tankers.

The 49,800-dwt vessel was constructed at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China and is designed to operate on conventional fuel while maintaining the capability to run on methanol as infrastructure develops.

Ecomar Gironde joins three sister vessels — Ecomar Gascogne, Ecomar Garonne and Ecomar Guyenne — all classified as Chemical IMO II medium-range tankers. The quartet has been time-chartered to TotalEnergies for a multi-year period.

A naming ceremony was held at GSI Shipyard in Guangzhou on 27 January, attended by representatives from Hafnia, Socatra, GSI, TotalEnergies, Bureau Veritas, BRS and other stakeholders. Raphaële Guenot, Hafnia's head of ESG, executive projects and compliance and an ECOMAR board member, served as the vessel's godmother.

Ralph Juhl, EVP head of technical at Hafnia, commented: "This vessel reflects a pragmatic approach to the energy transition — designed to operate efficiently today while being prepared for the fuels of tomorrow. Delivering complex vessels like this depends on long-standing partnerships, trust, and close cooperation across all parties involved."

The vessels incorporate modern navigation systems, enhanced cargo handling arrangements and fuel-efficient machinery alongside their dual-fuel propulsion capability.

The project represents the continuation of Hafnia's relationship with Guangzhou Shipyard International and BRS, which has resulted in 24 vessels delivered since 2013. Hafnia maintains a continuous site team presence at the yard.