Singapore | February 9, 2026 – AET, the petroleum logistics arm of Malaysian energy giant MISC Berhad, has officially entered the hybrid propulsion arena for specialized offshore vessels. On February 9, 2026, the company announced a landmark agreement with Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC) for the construction of its first-ever hybrid electric Dynamic Positioning Shuttle Tanker (DPST).
The 154,000-DWT Suezmax vessel represents a sophisticated pivot in AET’s decarbonization strategy, combining battery energy storage with a future-proof “ethanol-ready” fuel system.
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Technical Specifications: Bridging the Gap to Net-Zero
The newbuilding is designed to operate in the demanding offshore environments of the North Sea, Barents Sea, and Brazil. Key technical features include:
- Hybrid Electric Propulsion: The vessel will be equipped with an Electric Energy Storage (EES) system. This allows for “peak shaving,” where batteries handle sudden load fluctuations during dynamic positioning, enabling the main engines to run at a constant, optimal load.
- Ethanol-Ready Design: In a move toward fuel flexibility, the ship is designed to be dual-fuel ethanol-ready. Ethanol is gaining traction as a low-carbon maritime fuel due to its high availability and lower handling complexity compared to ammonia or hydrogen.
- DP2 Capabilities: As a Suezmax DPST, the vessel will feature high-specification dynamic positioning (DP2) systems, essential for maintaining station alongside FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading units) without the need for mooring lines.
Strengthening the Global Fleet
AET currently operates one of the world’s most modern DPST fleets, consisting of 17 vessels. While the company already utilizes LNG dual-fuel technology across various segments, including Aframaxes and VLCCs, the addition of hybrid electric power and ethanol readiness marks a new chapter in their “multi-fuel” growth program.
Nick Potter, President & CEO of AET, commented on the milestone:
“AET owns and operates one of the youngest and largest DPST fleets serving Brazil, and the North and Barents seas, Our collective experience in dual-fuel vessels and growth in the DPST segment has been driven by deep partnerships. Our ambition is to continue extending our industry-leading position and deliver reliable, safe and sustainable DPST solutions to customers worldwide.”
He added that the investment reinforces AET’s commitment to energy transition, highlighting that hybrid electric propulsion and dual-fuel capability are key components of reducing emissions in offshore oil transport operations.
The Bunkering Perspective: Why Ethanol?
For the bunkering industry, AET’s move toward ethanol readiness is a significant signal. Ethanol offers a high energy density for a renewable fuel and can significantly reduce CO2 and SOx emissions. By securing this vessel on a long-term charter (scheduled for delivery in 2028), AET ensures a stable demand signal for alternative fuel infrastructure in major hubs.
| Feature | Specification |
| Vessel Type | Suezmax DPST |
| Deadweight (DWT) | 154,000 |
| Shipyard | Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. (DSIC) |
| Propulsion | Hybrid Electric / Dual-Fuel (Ethanol-Ready) |
| Delivery Year | 2028 |
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
This order comes on the heels of AET’s late-2025 contract with Samsung Heavy Industries for two LNG dual-fuel Suezmaxes, confirming a rapid fleet renewal phase. As the industry faces stricter FuelEU Maritime and IMO carbon intensity regulations in 2026, hybrid solutions are becoming the gold standard for high-energy-demand operations like offshore loading.
AET in Brief: Delivering More Energy with Less Emissions
AET is a Singapore-headquartered global shipowner and operator with over 30 years of experience and a strong focus on sustainability.
Key Highlights:
- Fleet: Over 60 modern vessels, including LNG and ammonia dual-fuel ships.
- Market Leadership:
- Leading Ship-to-Ship (STS) operator in the U.S. Gulf.
- Top Dynamic Positioning Shuttle Tanker (DPST) operator in Brazil and Norway.
- World’s only owner-operator of Modular Capture Vessels (MCVs) for hydrocarbon containment.
- Global Presence: Offices across Malaysia, the U.S., the U.K., Norway, Brazil, and Uruguay.
- Parent Company: MISC Berhad, the Malaysian energy logistics group.
AET’s Energy Transition Strategy focuses on maintaining a resilient, dual-fuel capable fleet, exploring profitable low-carbon opportunities, and driving decarbonisation in line with MISC’s 2050 net-zero target.
Source: AET Tankers