Genoa, Italy – In a pivotal moment for the future of sustainable marine energy, Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy has marked a significant milestone with the keel laying of its next-generation methanol-ready bunker tanker, the Anna Cosulich. The official ceremony, held on August 26, 2025, at the Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in China, symbolizes the physical commencement of construction for this forward-thinking vessel, which is poised to become a key asset in the maritime industry’s energy transition.
This event underscores the Fratelli Cosulich Group’s firm commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship, solidifying its position as a leader in the global bunkering sector.
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Engineering the Future: A Transition-Proof and Strategic Asset
The Anna Cosulich is a 7,999 DWT IMO II bunker tanker, the first in a series of four methanol-ready vessels ordered by the company. It has been meticulously designed to meet the evolving demands of the alternative marine fuels supply chain. As the industry faces increasing regulatory pressures from organizations like the IMO and heightened market demands for decarbonization, the vessel is engineered for maximum fuel flexibility, low emissions, and exceptional operational efficiency.
The vessel’s robust design and cutting-edge features make it a strategic asset for the future of bunkering:
- Methanol Bunkering Readiness: The vessel is fully equipped with the necessary safety and handling systems to bunker methanol, a low-carbon fuel rapidly gaining traction as a viable alternative for the global fleet. Its readiness for this transition ensures it can support customers in their decarbonization journeys.
- Advanced Cargo Tank Coating: The use of MarineLINE® cargo tank coating provides superior chemical resistance, allowing for quick tank turnaround times between different fuel types—from conventional fuels to biofuel blends and methanol—and significantly extending the vessel’s operational life.
- Enhanced Maneuverability: A twin-screw propulsion system offers enhanced maneuverability, which is crucial for precise and safe bunkering operations in busy ports.
- Precision and Safety in Operations: The vessel is equipped with two segregations, Quick-Connect/Disconnect (QCDC) couplings, and two certified mass flow meters (MFMs). This configuration ensures the highest levels of safety, accuracy, and efficiency during bunkering, a critical factor for both ship operators and regulators.
- Onboard Nitrogen Generator: An onboard nitrogen generator increases cargo tank safety by providing an inert gas blanket, mitigating the risks associated with handling low-flashpoint fuels like methanol.
This comprehensive configuration ensures the Anna Cosulich complies with the most stringent global standards for safety, fuel handling, and environmental responsibility, making it a truly “transition-proof” vessel ready for both today’s and tomorrow’s energy mix.
Keel Laying: More Than a Milestone
The keel laying ceremony is steeped in tradition, representing the tangible birth of a vessel where vision, engineering, and craftsmanship converge.
“By laying her keel, we are building more than just a ship; we are establishing the foundation for the next chapter in sustainable bunkering,” stated Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy. “The Anna Cosulich will serve our forward-thinking partners who demand operational excellence and share our vision for a cleaner, more efficient maritime future. This vessel is a symbol of our confidence in a multi-fuel future and our commitment to leading the charge in the energy transition.“
Strengthening a World-Class Bunkering Fleet
The Anna Cosulich will join Fratelli Cosulich’s expanding fleet of state-of-the-art bunker tankers, which reflects over $150 million in strategic fleet investments over the past five years. From dual-fuel LNG vessels to biofuel blending and small-scale LNG supply, the company continues to push the boundaries of sustainable marine energy solutions.
Operating in key bunkering hubs such as Singapore and Genoa, the Marine Energy division provides high-quality fuel supply through physical operations, underpinned by ISCC Certification for sustainability and traceability in biofuels. The Anna Cosulich is designed to meet the diverse and growing demand for cleaner fuels, supporting not just fuel delivery but a global energy transition.
About Fratelli Cosulich Group
Founded in 1857, the Fratelli Cosulich Group has evolved into a global shipping and logistics powerhouse. Still family-owned and operated by its seventh generation, the group comprises over 130 companies in 27 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with 14 diverse business units ranging from shipping and logistics to catering, manning, and technology.
About Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy
Established in 1969, Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy is a trusted leader in the global marine fuel industry. With operations spanning 11 international offices and a team of over 100 professionals, the division specializes in bunker trading and physical bunker supply, shipowning and ship management, biofuels and LNG bunkering, and the development of methanol-ready vessels. The company continues to expand its Small-Scale LNG fleet, proudly flying the Italian flag, and remains dedicated to accelerating the transition toward cleaner marine fuels through efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Source Fratelli Cosulich Group