Antwerp, Belgium | November 5, 2025 – Leading marine energy supplier Peninsula has officially launched operations of the Omega, a high-specification estuary barge designed to provide specialized bunkering solutions across the critical Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) hub.
The vessel, which is on long-term time charter from Belgian tanker specialist Victrol, represents a significant upgrade to Peninsula’s logistical capabilities in the Belgian North Sea region. The Omega is distinguished as the only estuary barge of its scale currently serving the Belgian coast, offering a “seamless” bridge between deep-sea ports and inland waterway networks.
Versatility at Scale: Bridging the Estuary Gap
In the complex geography of the ARA region, “estuary” status is a major operational advantage. Unlike standard river barges, the Omega is built with the structural integrity to navigate the coastal waters of the North Sea while maintaining the shallow draft required for inland river systems.
This dual capability allows Peninsula to deliver fuel to ocean-going vessels at anchorage or within the ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Flushing without the need for costly transshipments or multi-vessel logistics.
Technical Specifications:
- Length: 115 meters
- Beam: 16.2 meters
- Capacity: 6,500 m³
- Design: Built by Rensen-Driesen Shipbuilding with a focus on high-volume efficiency and safety.
Future-Proofing for the Methanol Era
Beyond its immediate capacity for conventional low-sulfur fuels and biofuels, the Omega is a cornerstone of Peninsula’s decarbonization strategy. The barge is fully equipped to transport and bunker methanol, a fuel rapidly gaining traction as the maritime industry’s primary path to net-zero.
The vessel features a double-piping system and specialized tanks that make it “methanol-ready,” ensuring Peninsula can service the growing fleet of methanol-powered dual-fuel container ships and bulkers calling at ARA ports. Furthermore, the Omega is designed with the potential to be converted to run on methanol as its own primary propulsion fuel in the future.
“Integrating Omega into our network strengthens Peninsula’s ability to meet customer demand where it matters most,” the company stated. “We are committed to delivering innovative and sustainable bunkering solutions across key maritime hubs worldwide.”
About Peninsula
Peninsula is a global leader in the supply of marine fuels and a trusted partner to over 2,000 customers worldwide. With an international network of offices and operations in all major world ports, the company delivers marine energy solutions through multiple physical supply stations and a comprehensive global trading network, performing over 25,000 deliveries per year. Peninsula has recently expanded its physical supply network into strategic hubs including Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali, and Houston, ensuring greater flexibility and reliability for customers.
Peninsula is a strong advocate of maritime decarbonisation, actively supporting the journey to net zero by 2050. It has incorporated LNG and Biofuels into its product range and is actively exploring other alternative fuel options. Through initiatives like active participation in industry working groups such as ISO 8217, Peninsula is at the forefront of alternative fuel development and bunker quality standards. The company remains fully aligned with regulatory frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), assisting customers in navigating compliance while achieving their own decarbonisation goals. – Energy Flowing
Source: Peninsula