Maritima, a subsidiary of the Sogestran Group, has announced the launch of the construction of two new bunker vessels for its long-standing client Petroineos.
Petroineos and Maritima, partners for over 34 years, are renewing their fleet dedicated to bunkering operations in the Fos, Marseille, and Toulon areas, reinforcing their local presence in southern France. The new vessels are designed to serve both conventional bunkering needs and the supply of low-carbon fuels, including B24, B100, HVO, and e-Methanol, reflecting the companies’ shared commitment to decarbonising maritime operations.
Shaping the Future of Bunkering
The vessels will be capable of carrying three different products simultaneously and will be certified for oil and chemical transport. They will be able to transport marine diesel, all types of fuel oils, and low-carbon alternatives.
Modernising Fleet and Facilities
These new units will replace the existing Florence B, Tatiana B, and Cap Pinede. Their design optimises access to the Petroineos refinery jetties in Lavera, with each vessel offering a cargo capacity of 4,500 m³.
Diesel-electric propulsion will be provided by three electronically managed generator sets that adjust consumption to operational needs, a solution particularly suited for short-distance operations and previously implemented by the Sogestran Group on the Pointe de Caux, launched in 2022. The vessels will feature two electric azimuth thrusters at the stern and a bow tunnel thruster for enhanced manoeuvrability, as well as shore power connection. Each product line will be equipped with advanced mass flow meters for accurate quantity monitoring.
Crew accommodations include modern amenities such as private cabins with en-suite facilities and a gym.
Chinese Shipyard Selected with French Oversight
Construction will take place at the China Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard, located on the Yangtze River approximately 250 km from Shanghai. The shipyard, which specialises in oil and chemical transport vessels, was selected following a two-year tendering, evaluation, and design process.
The Sogestran Group’s Technical and Legal Departments conducted QHSE and SA 8000 audits to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and workers’ rights standards. Steel cutting for the first vessel is scheduled for November 2026, with launch planned for 2027 and delivery expected in early 2028.
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