Singapore | January 28, 2026 – In a significant step for the maritime energy transition, Hafnia, a world leader in the tanker segment, has officially announced the naming and delivery of the ECOMAR GIRONDE. This marks the completion of the four-ship ECOMAR newbuilding program, a joint venture between Hafnia and France-based Socatra.
The delivery of the ECOMAR GIRONDE concludes a strategic series of 49,800-dwt dual-fuel, methanol-capable Chemical IMO II Medium-Range (MR) tankers designed to bridge the gap between today’s operational demands and tomorrow’s low-carbon future.
A Strategic Milestone in the Energy Transition
The ECOMAR quartet, comprising the ECOMAR GASCOGNE, ECOMAR GARONNE, ECOMAR GUYENNE, and now the ECOMAR GIRONDE, represents a “pragmatic approach” to decarbonization. While these vessels are optimized for high-efficiency operation on conventional marine fuels today, they are fully equipped to utilize methanol as the global bunkering infrastructure and green methanol availability scale up.
Beyond their dual-fuel propulsion, the vessels are engineered with:
- Modern Navigation Systems: Enhancing safety and route optimization.
- Advanced Cargo Handling: Streamlining operations for the IMO II chemical trade.
- Energy Efficiency: Incorporating fuel-efficient machinery to meet and exceed IMO carbon intensity standards.
“This vessel reflects a pragmatic approach to the energy transition, designed to operate efficiently today while being prepared for the fuels of tomorrow. Delivering complex vessels like this depends on long-standing partnerships, trust, and close cooperation across all parties involved.,” stated Ralph Juhl, EVP Head of Technical at Hafnia, during the ceremony.
Global Collaboration and Partnership
The naming ceremony took place on January 27, 2026, at the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China. The event brought together a high-profile assembly of stakeholders, including representatives from Hafnia, Socatra, GSI, TotalEnergies, Bureau Veritas, and BRS.
Raphaële Guenot, Hafnia’s Head of ESG, Executive Projects and Compliance and a board member of ECOMAR, served as the vessel’s Godmother, officially blessing the ship for its upcoming service.
The project highlights a decade-long industrial synergy:
- Shipyard Excellence: Hafnia’s partnership with GSI and BRS spans over 12 years, resulting in the delivery of 24 vessels since 2013.
- Operational Continuity: A dedicated Hafnia site team maintained a constant presence at the GSI yard throughout the construction of the quartet to ensure technical excellence.
- Chartering Strength: In a move that underscores the energy sector’s commitment to cleaner logistics, all four vessels are entered into multi-year time charters with TotalEnergies.
Technical Overview: The ECOMAR Series
| Feature | Specification |
| Vessel Type | Chemical IMO II Medium-Range (MR) Tanker |
| Capacity | 49,800 DWT |
| Propulsion | Dual-Fuel Methanol Capable |
| Builder | Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) |
| Charterer | TotalEnergies (Multi-year period) |
| Quartet Names | Gascogne, Garonne, Guyenne, Gironde |
With the ECOMAR program now fully operational, the focus shifts to the vessels’ performance in the live market. Hafnia and Socatra expressed their anticipation for the fleet’s contribution to operational efficiency and its role in reducing the environmental footprint of the global product and chemical trade.
The successful completion of this series reinforces Hafnia’s position as a forward-leaning shipowner, balancing the current realities of the bunker market with the technical readiness required for a methanol-fueled future.
Hafnia in Brief
Hafnia stands as one of the world’s premier tanker companies, specialized in the safe and efficient transportation of oil, refined petroleum products, and chemicals. As a dominant force in the maritime industry, the company owns and commercially manages a high-specification, modern fleet of over 200 vessels.
Headquartered in Singapore, Hafnia maintains a robust global presence with strategic offices in Copenhagen, Houston, Dubai, Monaco, Mumbai, and Manila. This international network allows the company to serve a high-profile clientele, including national and international oil majors, chemical producers, and leading trading houses.
A Fully Integrated Platform
Hafnia is more than just a shipowner; it provides a comprehensive, vertically integrated shipping ecosystem that includes:
- Technical Management: In-house expertise ensuring the highest standards of safety and maintenance.
- Commercial & Chartering: Sophisticated operations across major segments (LR2, LR1, MR, and Handy).
- Pool Management: One of the world’s largest pool operators, driving value through scale and market intelligence.
- Bunker Services: A massive-scale bunker desk (recently evolved through the Seascale Energy joint venture) that optimizes fuel procurement for hundreds of vessels globally.
Driven by CARE Values
At the heart of Hafnia’s “People-First” culture are its core CARE values, which guide every decision from the boardroom to the engine room:
- C – Collaborative: Working as one team with transparency and respect.
- A – Ambitious: Thinking outside the box to deliver innovative solutions.
- R – Reliable: Delivering on promises and taking full accountability.
- E – Enduring: Operating with a long-term perspective to ensure a sustainable tomorrow.
With a vision to be the “Best on Water,” Hafnia continues to lead the industry through technical innovation, such as its recent investments in methanol dual-fuel technology, and a steadfast commitment to the global energy transition.
Source: Hafnia