Fos-sur-Mer, France | October 7, 2025 – Maritima, a subsidiary of the Sogestran Group, has announced the construction of two next-generation bunker vessels for long-time client Petroineos. This strategic fleet renewal project, aimed at bolstering bunkering operations across Fos, Marseille, and Toulon, marks a significant milestone in the partners’ shared commitment to energy transition and local operational excellence.
Backed by a relationship spanning more than 34 years, Petroineos and Maritima are reinforcing their roots in Southern France while preparing for the decarbonised fuels market of tomorrow.
Vessels Designed for the Future: Low Carbon, High Efficiency
The upcoming vessels, purpose-built for both conventional and low-carbon marine fuels, are engineered to serve the evolving energy demands of maritime transport. Each unit will have the capability to carry three separate fuel types simultaneously, certified for both oil and chemical product transport.
They are fully equipped to supply:
- Marine Diesel
- Fuel Oils
- B24 (biofuel blend)
- B100 (pure biodiesel)
- HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)
- e-Methanol – an emerging synthetic fuel crucial for decarbonising deep-sea shipping.
This innovative versatility places Petroineos and Maritima at the forefront of green bunkering solutions in the Mediterranean and sets a new operational benchmark for similar ports worldwide.
Replacing the Legacy Fleet: A Technological Leap Forward
The new bunker tankers will replace the aging Florence B, Tatiana B, and Cap Pinede, ushering in a new generation of safer, cleaner, and more efficient bunkering operations. With a cargo capacity of 4,500 m³, the vessels are tailored to navigate and access the Petroineos Lavéra refinery jetties with optimal agility and minimal emissions.
The ships will feature:
- Diesel-electric propulsion, powered by three electronically managed generator sets—optimising fuel consumption based on operational load.
- Dual electric azimuth stern thrusters and a bow tunnel thruster for exceptional manoeuvrability in tight port conditions.
- Shore power connection capability, enabling zero-emission operations while docked.
- Mass flow meters on each product line for real-time, accurate delivery measurements—aligning with the highest industry standards for transparency and efficiency.
Crew welfare has also been prioritised, with modern accommodations including private ensuite cabins, a gym, and state-of-the-art onboard systems designed for long-term comfort and safety.
Global Expertise with Local Oversight
After an exhaustive two-year evaluation and tendering process, construction will be carried out by the China Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard, located on the Yangtze River, 250 km from Shanghai. The shipyard is internationally recognized for its expertise in oil and chemical carrier construction.
However, the vessels will not be built without a strong French oversight component:
- Project management and construction supervision will be provided by Sogestran Group’s Technical Department, led by Arnaud Rampal and Mathieu Longueville, and supported by SMC.
- The ship design was developed by Deltamarin Shanghai, an established player in high-spec vessel engineering.
- Compliance and ethical operations at the shipyard were verified through a QHSE audit and SA8000 evaluation by Sogestran, ensuring adherence to environmental and workers’ rights standards.
- Bureau Veritas (BV), one of the world’s leading classification societies, will oversee certification.
- Framo has been selected as the supplier for the cargo and ballast pump systems, ensuring high-performance liquid handling across all bunker fuel types.
Timeline & Delivery
- Steel cutting for the first vessel is scheduled for November 2026
- Launching in 2027
- Final delivery expected in early 2028
Once operational, these vessels will serve as a showcase of sustainable maritime engineering, ready to meet the evolving demands of both today’s conventional bunker market and tomorrow’s decarbonized marine fuel supply chain.
Commitment to Regional Growth and Energy Transition
This major investment underscores the broader commitment of Petroineos and Maritima to support the region’s maritime economy, reduce environmental impact, and secure resilient fuel logistics along one of the Mediterranean’s most vital energy corridors.
About Petroineos
Operating the Lavéra refinery in Martigues, the largest in southern France, Petroineos is a key player in European energy infrastructure. With a refining capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, the company integrates advanced logistics via pipelines, land, and sea routes, serving both domestic and European markets.
Deeply involved in the energy transition, Petroineos is investing in cutting-edge solutions to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and foster partnerships with regional stakeholders to drive sustainable development.
About Maritima & Sogestran Group
Founded in 1968 and acquired by the Sogestran Group in 1990, Maritima specializes in bunkering and coastal oil transport throughout the Mediterranean. With a team of approximately 70 maritime professionals, it remains a key player in regional marine logistics.
The Sogestran Group, based in Le Havre, is a European leader in multimodal and maritime transport. With a fleet of nearly 200 vessels and over 1,250 employees, the group delivers logistics services across Europe’s rivers and oceans, from inland waterways to complex high-value industrial cargoes.
Source: Sogestran Group