Hercules Tanker Management (HTM) has commenced the maiden voyage of the Hercules Vanessa, the latest bunker tanker to join its 10-vessel Ultra-Spec Series. Built by Jiangmen Hangtong Shipbuilding and classed by Lloyd’s Register, the 7,882 DWT double-hull tanker features diesel-electric propulsion with dual azimuth thrusters, a MarineLINE cargo coating system, and the capacity to transport alternative fuels like B100 and methanol. Currently en route to Port Louis before heading to Cape Town, the vessel is scheduled to discharge biofuel loaded in China at Ghent later this year.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates | September 2, 2026 – Hercules Tanker Management (HTM) has officially marked a major milestone in its fleet modernization strategy as its latest next-generation vessel, the Hercules Vanessa, commences her maiden voyage.
The state-of-the-art tanker represents a pivotal addition to HTM’s ambitious 10-vessel Ultra-Spec Series. The multi-ship program is engineered to systematically replace aging maritime tonnage with high-efficiency vessels, providing the future-ready capabilities required to navigate the shipping industry’s shifting energy landscape.
Dimensions and Advanced Technical Specifications
Built at Jiangmen Hangtong Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. and classed by Lloyd’s Register (LR) to Portuguese flag requirements, the 7,882 DWT bunker tanker is engineered for versatile, worldwide deployment. The vessel’s physical and technical parameters include:
| Parameter | Specification |
| Length Overall (LOA) | 103.88 meters |
| Breadth | 19.00 meters |
| Moulded Depth | 10.00 meters |
| Design Draft | 7.80 meters |
| Deadweight (DWT) | 7,882 DWT |
| Cargo Tank Coating | MarineLine |
| Propulsion System | Diesel-Electric + 2 Azimuth Thrusters |
Classified as a Double Hull Oil Tanker and Chemical Tanker (Ship Type 2, F.P – 60°C, ESP), the Hercules Vanessa features an advanced diesel-electric propulsion configuration paired with two azimuth thrusters, delivering exceptional maneuverability and operational precision essential for bunkering operations.
Her comprehensive Lloyd’s Register notation reflects top-tier environmental and safety standards, including *IWS, LI, IGS, *LMC, UMS, BWTS, Eco, alongside Ready (Hybrid Power (A)), BWMP(T), IHM-EU, MPMS, SERS, and VECS notations.
Fuel-Agnostic Flexibility and Cargo Capabilities
A defining feature of the Ultra-Spec Series is its fuel-agnostic operational flexibility. The vessel is fully equipped to transport and supply both conventional marine fuels and alternative low-carbon options, supporting biofuel blends up to B100 and methanol.
The Hercules Vanessa is also the first in the series to feature MarineLINE, a high-performance cargo tank coating system designed to handle aggressive chemical and alternative fuel cargoes safely and efficiently.
Key Features of the Ultra-Spec Series
- Superior Efficiency: Optimized hull lines, diesel-electric propulsion, and azimuth thrusters to minimize fuel burn and maximize harbor maneuverability.
- Emissions Reduction: Cutting-edge vessel architecture designed to lower overall carbon output.
- Fuel Versatility: Seamless handling of conventional bunkers alongside alternative green fuels like B100 and methanol.
- Future-Ready Design: Advanced environmental notations and hybrid-ready capabilities to support cleaner, decarbonized marine fuel supply chains.
Maiden Voyage and Operational Itinerary
The Hercules Vanessa is currently underway on her inaugural journey. After departing the shipyard, the vessel is en route to Port Louis to take on bunkers and essential provisions before continuing southbound toward Cape Town.
From there, the tanker is scheduled to steam toward Europe, where she will discharge a cargo of biofuel, loaded initially at the Nansha Terminal in China, upon arrival in Ghent later this year.
As HTM’s Ultra-Spec Series continues to gather momentum, the delivery of the Hercules Vanessa underscores the company’s commitment to advancing cleaner marine fuel supply chains and building a robust, future-proof logistics fleet.
About Hercules Tanker Management (HTM)
Hercules Tanker Management (HTM) is a global tanker owner and manager operating a diversified fleet of over 70+ vessels ranging from bunker barges to deep-sea product carriers. With roots in the bunkering industry and nearly 30 years of operational expertise, HTM delivers high-performance commercial management and fuel logistics solutions worldwide.
The company’s strategic fleet modernization supports its vision of enabling a cleaner, safer, and more efficient global fuel supply chain. Hercules Tanker Management believes that “Shipping Matters. Energy Matters. Safety Matters. Hercules Matters.” This guiding principle drives the company’s commitment to excellence in tanker management and freight trading.
Source: Hercules Tanker Management