Dubai, United Arab Emirates | October 31, 2025 – Global tanker owner and operator, Hercules Tanker Management (HTM) has reached a pivotal milestone in its fleet modernization and decarbonization strategy with the successful delivery and launch of the HTM Harriet — the first vessel in the company’s Ultra-Spec Series of next-generation hybrid-ready tankers.
Delivered in October 2025 from Jiangmen Hangtong Shipyard (China), the HTM Harriet departed Southeast Asia carrying a full cargo of B100 biofuel — a 100% renewable fuel — marking a historic first voyage that underscores HTM’s commitment to accelerating the global transition toward cleaner marine energy.
This milestone follows HTM’s 2024 announcement of a major fleet renewal program comprising six new 7,700 DWT IMO II chemical tankers, with options for four additional units. The Ultra-Spec vessels, jointly developed with Peninsula Petroleum, represent a generational shift in tanker design and sustainability standards.
Technology at the Core: The Ultra-Spec Advantage
The HTM Harriet represents a new era of design for bunker and chemical tankers, combining advanced energy efficiency with fuel flexibility. Each 7,700 DWT Ultra-Spec vessel is built to IMO II chemical tanker standards, featuring:
- Diesel-electric propulsion systems optimized for low emissions and superior fuel economy
- Battery-ready architecture enabling hybrid operations and future zero-emission upgrades
- Advanced hull hydrodynamics to minimize drag and reduce fuel consumption
- Twin-engine configuration with Schottel propulsion for exceptional maneuverability and safety during ship-to-ship (STS) operations and port handling
These innovations deliver up to 20% lower emissions compared to conventional bunker tankers and position HTM’s fleet to operate efficiently under both current and future environmental regulations, including IMO 2030 and FuelEU Maritime targets.
Versatility for a Changing Fuel Landscape
The Ultra-Spec Series is purpose-built for flexibility — a critical capability as the marine fuels market diversifies. The vessels are designed to transport and supply all grades of conventional bunkers as well as biofuels (up to B100) and methanol, enabling operators to support a broad spectrum of vessel types and energy transition scenarios.
The HTM Harriet’s maiden voyage with B100 biofuel demonstrates the operational readiness of this new generation to handle renewable energy cargoes safely and efficiently, bridging the gap between conventional bunker supply and emerging green fuel logistics.
This adaptability allows HTM to meet evolving customer needs while supporting broader industry decarbonization goals — providing reliable logistics for both current energy demands and next-generation fuels.
A Fleet Built for the Future
The HTM Harriet is the first of ten Ultra-Spec hybrid-ready tankers, with subsequent deliveries every two months through 2027. This program is central to HTM’s fleet renewal strategy, replacing older, energy-intensive tonnage and ensuring that the company’s bunker and chemical transport operations remain among the cleanest and most efficient in the market.
Each delivery reinforces HTM’s commitment to responsible growth, technical excellence, and innovation in fuel logistics. The series aligns fully with the company’s sustainability KPIs, including a target to reach 10% alternative fuel consumption by 2030.
“This launch marks the beginning of a transformative journey for our fleet and for the industry,” said Hercules Tanker Management (HTM). “Our 10 hybrid-ready, 7,700 DWT vessels are designed for global operations, capable of transporting and supplying all grades of conventional bunkers, up to B100 and methanol.”
Pioneering Cleaner Energy Connectivity
HTM’s Ultra-Spec program represents more than fleet renewal — it’s a step toward a fully connected clean-energy logistics network. By integrating advanced tanker design, hybrid-ready technology, and renewable fuel capability, HTM is ensuring that cleaner energy can move efficiently across global trade routes.
The launch of HTM Harriet demonstrates this vision in action — linking innovation at sea with sustainability goals on shore. It reinforces HTM’s role as a catalyst in the maritime energy transition, combining operational excellence, safety leadership, and forward-thinking environmental responsibility.
“We are proud to lead the way in connecting cleaner energy sources to the global fleet and shaping the future of maritime logistics.”
Strategic Partnership with Peninsula
Central to HTM’s progress is its longstanding partnership with Peninsula, a global leader in marine fuel supply and trading. Together, the two companies are building a vertically integrated bunkering and logistics platform that bridges today’s fuel supply with tomorrow’s clean-energy operations.
Peninsula’s expertise in alternative fuels — including LNG, methanol, and advanced biofuels — complements HTM’s modern, hybrid-ready fleet. This collaboration enables both organizations to deliver scalable, real-world solutions that accelerate the decarbonization of marine logistics and support the industry’s evolving fuel ecosystem.
About Hercules Tanker Management (HTM)
Hercules Tanker Management (HTM) is a global tanker owner and manager operating a diversified fleet of over 65 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