Genoa, Italy | February 4, 2026 – Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy has officially entered the next phase of its ambitious fleet renewal program. In a ceremony held at the Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, the Group celebrated the steel cutting of the Natalia Cosulich, the fourth and final vessel in its current series of methanol-ready IMO II bunker tankers.
The event marks the successful conclusion of the “conception-to-construction” cycle for a fleet designed specifically to underpin the maritime industry’s shift toward low-carbon and alternative marine fuels.
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The Final Piece of the Puzzle
Attended by Diana Mok, Managing Director of Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers (S) Pte Ltd, the ceremony was more than a technical start; it was a symbolic “closing of the circle.”
While the Anna Cosulich (launched the same day) represents the fleet’s arrival in the water, the Natalia Cosulich represents the Group’s sustained investment in long-term infrastructure. The four-ship program was conceived as a response to the growing global deficit of high-spec tonnage capable of delivering the next generation of marine energy.
Technical Specification: Robust Chemical Protection
Following the high-performance standards set by her sister ships, the Natalia Cosulich is engineered for extreme operational durability. A key technical differentiator for this vessel is her phenolic epoxy cargo tank coating.
- Chemical Resilience: This specialized lining is chosen for its superior resistance to aggressive chemicals and solvents. It is specifically formulated to handle methanol and high-purity specialized cargoes without the risk of absorption or contamination.
- Maintenance & Longevity: The phenolic epoxy provides a hard, smooth surface that facilitates easier tank cleaning and long-term protection against corrosion, ensuring the vessel can maintain high utilization rates in the demanding chemical bunkering trade.
- IMO II Compliance: As an IMO Type II tanker, she is built to carry the most sensitive cargoes, giving Fratelli Cosulich the flexibility to serve both the traditional bunker market and the burgeoning green fuel sector.
Strategic Significance: Completing the “Methanol-Ready” Corridor
The completion of this four-vessel series places Fratelli Cosulich in a dominant position within the methanol supply chain. With major carriers like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd rapidly expanding their methanol-fueled fleets, the Natalia Cosulich and her sisters provide the essential “last-mile” delivery capability required at major hubs.
“The steel cutting of the Natalia Cosulich is the first tangible step in transforming a vision into a structure,” the Group stated. “This milestone signals our readiness for an evolving marine energy landscape and our commitment to providing the innovative solutions our clients need to reach their decarbonization goals.”
A Legacy of Continuity
True to the Group’s 169-year heritage, the Natalia Cosulich carries a family name, reinforcing the seventh-generation-owned company’s belief that continuity is the bedrock of growth. By naming the final vessel of this transition-defining fleet after a family member, the Group underscores that its future in green energy is just as deeply rooted as its history in traditional shipping.
The Natalia Cosulich is expected to undergo rapid assembly following this milestone, moving toward a delivery schedule that will see the full four-ship series operational and serving global ports by the end of the year.
Fratelli Cosulich Group in Brief
Founded in 1857, the Fratelli Cosulich Group has grown into a global maritime powerhouse, with over 130 companies across 27 countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Still family-owned and operated by its seventh generation, the Group encompasses 14 business units ranging from shipping and logistics to technology, catering, and manning, offering comprehensive services across the maritime value chain.
Marine Energy
Established in 1969, Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy is a trusted leader in global marine fuels, specializing in bunker trading, physical supply, shipowning, ship management, and alternative fuel solutions. Operating through 11 international offices with a team of over 100 professionals, the division provides high-quality bunker fuel supply in key ports such as Singapore and Genoa, underpinned by ISCC Certification for sustainability and traceability in biofuels.
With ongoing investments in methanol-ready vessels and the expansion of its Small-Scale LNG fleet, Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy remains at the forefront of the global energy transition, delivering safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible solutions for the maritime industry.
Source: Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy