Genoa, Italy | February 4, 2026 – On a day defined by high-impact industrial activity at the Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy reached a pivotal construction milestone with the keel laying of the Carlotta Cosulich. This ceremony marks the official commencement of the physical assembly of the third vessel in the Group’s prestigious four-ship series of methanol-ready IMO II bunker tankers.
The event took place in parallel with the launch of the series’ flagship, Anna Cosulich, and the steel cutting of the final sister, Natalia Cosulich, highlighting the unprecedented pace of the Group’s fleet renewal program.
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Engineering the Future: From Blueprint to Bedrock
The keel laying is more than a formal tradition; it represents the moment a maritime project transitions from a naval architecture concept into a tangible asset. For the Carlotta Cosulich, this “laying of the foundation” signifies the start of a journey toward becoming a sophisticated tool for the global energy transition.
Designed with a focus on operational flexibility and safety, the vessel is specifically engineered to meet the stringent demands of the evolving alternative fuels market. As a 7,990 DWT IMO Type II chemical tanker, she will be capable of handling a diverse portfolio of cargoes, including traditional fuel oils, biofuels (up to B100), and green methanol.
Technical Specification: The Purity Standard
A core feature of the Carlotta Cosulich is the integration of the MarineLINE® cargo tank coating. As the maritime industry moves toward chemical-based alternative fuels, maintaining cargo integrity is paramount.
- Advanced Resistance: The MarineLINE® system provides a high-performance barrier that is essential for carrying methanol, which can be corrosive to standard epoxy linings.
- Operational Agility: The coating allows for faster turnaround times and easier cleaning between different cargo grades, ensuring the vessel can pivot between traditional bunkering and chemical delivery without risk of cross-contamination.
- Regulatory Compliance: The vessel is built to meet the latest IMO II standards and is optimized for future retrofitting to full methanol propulsion, minimizing long-term “carbon-lock” risk for the fleet.
Strategic Context: Bridging the “Multi-Fuel” Gap
The Carlotta Cosulich is a critical component of Fratelli Cosulich’s strategy to address the current “infrastructure bottleneck” in the methanol supply chain. While the global order book for methanol-fueled container ships is surging, the specialized bunker tankers required to deliver this fuel are still in short supply.
“The keel laying of the Carlotta Cosulich reflects our commitment to building vessels that are not only technologically advanced but also aligned with the global push toward cleaner fuels,” the Group noted. “Each step in our newbuilding program reinforces our dedication to safer, more sustainable marine operations.“
Continuity and Legacy
The naming of the vessel continues the Cosulich family’s multi-generational tradition, honoring Carlotta Cosulich and reinforcing the Group’s philosophy that growth must be built on “solid human foundations.” This blend of heritage and cutting-edge technology remains the hallmark of the Fratelli Cosulich brand as it enters its 169th year of operation.
Following the ceremony, construction will proceed at the Taizhou yard, with the vessel expected to join her sister ships in supporting high-spec bunkering hubs such as Singapore and Genoa upon delivery.
About Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy
Established in 1969, the Marine Energy division of the Fratelli Cosulich Group is a global leader in bunker trading, physical supply, and ship management. With a presence in 27 countries, the Group is at the forefront of the maritime industry’s shift toward decarbonization, investing heavily in LNG and methanol-ready infrastructure to serve a more sustainable future.
Source: Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy