In a groundbreaking move toward decarbonizing maritime transport, Tristar Group has entered into an agreement with Turkey’s Akdeniz Shipyard to construct a hybrid bunker barge for the UAE.
Set to be operational in the first quarter of 2025, the vessel will be stationed at the Port of Fujairah, a versatile maritime facility on the east coast of the UAE.
With a bunkering capacity of 750 cubic meters, the vessel is designed to accommodate diesel generators as a backup to electric power. Notably, the innovative design eliminates the need for a conventional funnel, utilizing the saved deck space to house a substantial onboard battery. In the event generators are utilized, flue gases will be discharged underwater, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere.
This pioneering design, coupled with the vessel’s advanced powertrain, is poised to substantially decrease carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel propulsion systems. Through well-planned operations, it is anticipated that carbon emissions will be slashed by over 50%.
During the contract signing ceremony in Dubai with Metin Akbasoglu, owner of Akdeniz Shipyard, Eugene Mayne, CEO of Tristar Group, stated, “We are seizing another opportunity to lead the way in green technology within an environment that has been familiar and fruitful for us for many years. As a prominent player in the global maritime sector, Tristar is committed to taking the initial steps toward feasible decarbonization and instigating sectoral change.”
Mayne emphasized that as port infrastructure continues to evolve in support of electric barges for coastal operations, this bold move is expected to inspire the local maritime industry to embrace similar initiatives.
The construction of the hybrid bunker barge will take place at the Akdeniz Shipyard in Adana, the largest shipyard in Turkey and the broader Eastern Mediterranean in terms of area and capacity. Additionally, the barge will serve as a provider of stores and supplies to vessels anchoring off Fujairah Port.
Tristar Group’s comprehensive energy logistics platform encompasses road and maritime transportation, specialized warehousing, fuel farm management, commercial aviation refueling, and turnkey fuel logistics operations.