Hong Lam Marine has launched its new IMO Type II bunker vessel, Priority, at Jiangmen Hangtong Shipbuilding in China. As the first of four advanced newbuilds designed with methanol-handling capabilities and hybrid power systems, the vessel marks a major step in the company’s fleet renewal. This milestone underscores Hong Lam Marine’s continued commitment to supporting the maritime industry’s evolving transition toward sustainable and low-carbon fuels.
Singapore | August 18, 2026 – Leading Singaporean bunker operator Hong Lam Marine has hit a major fleet renewal milestone, celebrating the successful launch of the IMO Type II bunker vessel Priority at China’s Jiangmen Hangtong Shipbuilding yard.
The launch ceremony on August 12, 2026, marks a pivotal step forward as the first delivery in a new series of four advanced oil and chemical bunkering vessels ordered by the company.
Cutting-Edge Design for the Future of Bunkering
Designed to support the evolving demands of modern marine logistics, Priority and its upcoming sister ships are built with high operational efficiency and environmental flexibility in mind. Key technical highlights include:
- Methanol and Chemical Capability: The vessels are engineered to carry methanol alongside traditional marine fuels and chemical cargoes, supporting the industry’s shift toward low-carbon alternatives. (Hong Lam Marine previously pioneered methanol bunkering in Singapore via its tanker Agility).
- Hybrid Energy Systems: Equipped with an advanced Power Management System (PMS) integrated with lithium-ion batteries. This setup handles peak-shaving and optimizes battery-assisted cargo operations to mitigate high energy demand surges.
Strong Collaboration and Next Steps
Despite intense summer heat during construction, the launching operation proceeded smoothly and safely. Project leadership credited the milestone to tight cross-border collaboration between Hong Lam Marine’s technical teams, shipyard engineering staff, and key maritime stakeholders.
Following this successful launch, work will transition into outfitting and sea trials ahead of the vessel’s scheduled final delivery. The rollout of Priority reinforces Hong Lam Marine’s long-standing strategy of maintaining a technologically advanced fleet to service major energy traders, oil majors, and global container lines in major bunkering hubs.
About Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd
Incorporated in Singapore in 1981, Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd has grown into one of the country’s most established and leading bunker craft operators, supporting a port that has reigned as the world’s largest bunkering hub since 1988. As of February 2026, the company operates a robust fleet of 28 modern tankers, driven by a dedicated team of approximately 100 office personnel and 600 seafarers.
Dedicated to continuous fleet renewal and technological advancement, Hong Lam Marine primarily serves global oil majors by providing safe, high-quality marine fuel bunkering and chemical transportation across Singapore port limits and Southeast Asian waters. Through strategic investments in advanced newbuilds, such as its latest methanol-ready series, the company consistently aligns its operations with evolving industry demands and sustainable maritime practices.
Source: Hong Lam Marine