Genoa, Italy | February 4, 2026 – In a move that signals a significant leap forward for the global bunkering infrastructure, Fratelli Cosulich officially launched the Anna Cosulich on February 4. The ceremony, held at the Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, marks the debut of the first vessel in a sophisticated four-ship series designed to bridge the gap between traditional operations and the future of alternative marine fuels.
The launch represents a cornerstone of the Group’s fleet expansion program, specifically targeting the maritime industry’s escalating demand for IMO II-compliant, methanol-ready tonnage.
A Milestone in Maritime Engineering
The Anna Cosulich transitioned from the dry dock to the water in a ceremony attended by key stakeholders, project partners, and shipyard officials. Giovanna Cibin, Managing Director of Express Global Hong Kong, served as the vessel’s Godmother, performing the traditional ribbon-cutting to release the hull into the Yangtze River.
While the event celebrated a successful construction phase, the true significance lies in the vessel’s technical specifications. As a methanol-ready IMO II bunker tanker, the Anna Cosulich is engineered to handle a wide range of chemical cargoes, positioning Fratelli Cosulich as a versatile player in the evolving energy transition.
Technical Excellence: The MarineLINE® Advantage
To meet the rigorous standards of the chemical and alternative fuel markets, the vessel features high-spec cargo management systems:
- Coating Technology: All cargo tanks are fitted with MarineLINE® coating. This high-performance lining is essential for maintaining the purity of demanding cargoes, including methanol, and provides superior resistance compared to standard epoxy coatings.
- Operational Versatility: Designed as an IMO II tanker, the vessel is capable of transporting complex chemicals and biofuels, ensuring high utilization rates as regulatory requirements tighten.
- Future-Proof Design: From the initial naval architecture phase, the ship was “conceived” for methanol. This minimizes the technical hurdles and capital expenditure required for a full transition to methanol bunkering operations in the future.
Strategic Impact on the Bunker Market
The Anna Cosulich is the first of four sister vessels. By investing in this “new generation” fleet, Fratelli Cosulich is addressing two critical trends in the bunkering industry:
- Fleet Modernization: Replacing older tonnage with highly efficient, low-emission vessels.
- The Methanol Pivot: With major container lines increasingly ordering methanol-fueled ships, the infrastructure to deliver this fuel, particularly via high-spec bunker tankers, is currently in short supply.
“The launch of the Anna Cosulich reflects our belief that continuity and growth are built on solid human foundations and forward-thinking technology,” the Fratelli Cosulich stated. “She sets the technical and operational benchmark for the remaining three sister vessels.”
Legacy and Continuity
The vessel’s name continues the Cosulich family tradition, honoring the group’s roots while looking toward a sustainable future. As the maritime sector faces a “multi-fuel” future, the Anna Cosulich serves as a tangible commitment to future-ready tonnage and the expansion of the Group’s in-house technical capabilities.
Following the launch, the vessel will undergo final outfitting and sea trials before entering official service.
Fratelli Cosulich Group in Brief
Founded in 1857, the Fratelli Cosulich Group has grown into a global maritime powerhouse, with over 130 companies across 27 countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Still family-owned and operated by its seventh generation, the Group encompasses 14 business units ranging from shipping and logistics to technology, catering, and manning, offering comprehensive services across the maritime value chain.
Marine Energy
Established in 1969, Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy is a trusted leader in global marine fuels, specializing in bunker trading, physical supply, shipowning, ship management, and alternative fuel solutions. Operating through 11 international offices with a team of over 100 professionals, the division provides high-quality bunker fuel supply in key ports such as Singapore and Genoa, underpinned by ISCC Certification for sustainability and traceability in biofuels.
With ongoing investments in methanol-ready vessels and the expansion of its Small-Scale LNG fleet, Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy remains at the forefront of the global energy transition, delivering safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible solutions for the maritime industry.
Source: Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy