Bureau Veritas welcomes first delivery of dual-fuel methanol tanker for Hafnia and Socatra

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV M&O) is delighted to celebrate the recent delivery of the “ECOMAR GASCOGNE.” This is the first of four newbuild dual-fuel methanol chemical IMO II medium-range (MR) tankers built at Guangzhou Shipyard International for owner Socatra and its joint-venture partner Hafnia.

Two more are scheduled for delivery later this year, with the fourth and final vessel expected in 2026. 

Since these vessels are dual-fuel, they can run on both conventional fuels and methanol. These ships will be able to lower their emissions, as the production of green methanol increases. Green methanol can cut CO2 emissions and also significantly reduces nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxide and particulate matter emission levels.

At BV, we are actively supporting the development of low-carbon alternative fuels, including methanol dual-fuel. Our work includes assessing their technical feasibility and safety profile. Through research and collaboration with key stakeholders, we are working to de-risk innovative technologies to enable their safe adoption in the maritime industry’s transition to lower-carbon energy.