The first of a new generation of not always afloat but safely aground (NaabsaMAX) tankers for Thun Tanker has been named and launched from the Ferus Smit shipyard
Working with UK-based Geos Group Ltd, a marine gas oil supplier and trader, Thun Tankers is providing an innovative 4,250-dwt product tanker that can access tidal-restricted niche ports that are normally off-limits to conventional tankers.
The NaabsaMAX hull configuration is designed to allow the tanker to safely settle on the seabed of the harbour basin without placing undue strain on the hull, rudder, or propulsion system.
Thun Tankers chief operating officer Joakim Lund said, “Today we are going to launch the first of two NaabsaMAX tankers. These ships are built to maximise the intake of our client, Geos Group, calling into restricted niche ports. The NaabsaMAX vessels will be able to carry more cargo into these ports than any vessel has done before.”
Thun Blyth Specification:
The vessel will be managed by MF Shipping, whose chief executive Karin Orsel was the recipient of Industry Leader Award in 2019 at the Tanker Shipping & Trade gala dinner*. Ms Orsel commented, “We, as managers, have been involved in the newbuilding. A launch is a special moment that always give me goose bumps.”
The captain of the new vessel Pieter Dekker said, “The vessel is purpose-built for the Geos charter for supplying small ports and bunkers at sea. Its hull and propulsion systems are well suited to manoeuvring in small ports and at close quarters with other vessels. This includes a high aspect rudder and a bow thruster. The Naabsa-strengthening allows it to sit on the bottom of the harbour basin in ports where the water runs out due to the tidal differences. I look forward to working with the Geos team on this new vessel.”
Erik Thun Ab chief executive Johan Källsson said, “As shipowners we are very excited to launch the new vessel with our close friends at Ferus Smit, MF Shipping and Geos Group. This is a perfect example of how we like to do business. Having a focus on sustainability and having a long-term partnership with our customers, suppliers and colleagues.”
UK marine gas oil supplier and trader Geos Group managing director Barry Newton said, “We are very proud to be working with Thun Tankers and MF Shipping. Ferus Smit has done a fantastic job of getting the vessel ready on time and we look forward to it joining our fleet later in the year. We are privileged to be part of what we believe will be a new generation of coastal tankers in UK waters."
*The gala dinner is one of the highlights of the Tanker Shipping & Trade conference, awards and exhibition that takes place in London in November. Book you place to attend the conference here.
Sign up to attend our upcoming series of free operational and technical webinars on our events page
You can view all the previous webinars, in full, in our webinar library.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.