Spain’s bunkering sector reaches a sustainable milestone with MURELOIL SA launching the Bahía Beatriz, the nation’s first methanol-ready hybrid supply vessel. Operating under charter to Repsol, this high-tech tanker strengthens the maritime energy transition across the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean.
Bilbao | February 28, 2026 – In a move that signals a decisive shift for the Iberian bunkering market, MURELOIL SA has officially launched the Bahía Beatriz, a state-of-the-art diesel-electric hybrid chemical tanker.
The vessel, which marks a “first of its kind” for Spain with its specific “Bunker Methanol” class notation, was celebrated during a high-profile ceremony at the MURUETA Shipyards in Erandio. Set to be operated by Mureloil under charter to energy giant Repsol, the tanker is designed to spearhead the delivery of next-generation marine fuels.
A “Swiss Army Knife” for the Energy Transition
The Bahía Beatriz is not merely an addition to the fleet; it is a technological pivot. As the maritime industry grapples with FuelEU Maritime regulations and tightening carbon caps, this vessel offers a flexible solution for the transport and supply of:
With 12 primary tanks and a capacity of approximately 8,000 m³, the ship’s dual-purpose design allows it to serve as both a bunker supplier and a terminal-to-terminal transport vessel.
Technical Specifications & Innovation
The ship represents the 336th construction by Murueta Shipyards and features a sophisticated propulsion suite designed for zero-emission port stays.
| Feature | Specification |
| Propulsion | Diesel-electric hybrid drive |
| Storage | 4.2 MWh Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) |
| Capacity | 8,000 m³ across 12 + 2 tanks |
| Class Notation | Approved for “Bunker Methanol” operations |
| Zero-Emission Mode | Capable of 100% electric bunkering and maneuvering |
The integration of AYK Energy’s LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery technology allows the Bahía Beatriz to perform complex bunkering maneuvers without engaging its main engines, significantly reducing noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in urban port environments.
Strategic Alignment: Mureloil & Repsol
The launch underscores a deepening partnership between Mureloil and Repsol. It follows the successful deployment of the Bahía Levante in late 2022 and anticipates the commissioning of the Bahía Candela later this spring.
“This new project highlights our commitment to excellence, based on knowledge and experience in the fuel supply sector, from design and construction to operation,” stated Jose Luis Caraballo, Managing Director of Mureloil.
Institutional support was also visible at the ceremony. Ana Núñez, General Director of the Merchant Navy, noted the importance of the Spanish triangle, a Spanish shipowner, shipyard, and charterer, working in unison to secure the country’s position as a sustainable maritime hub.
The Bigger Picture
The arrival of the Bahía Beatriz coincides with a surge in alternative fuel infrastructure across the Mediterranean. With the Port of Barcelona and Ceuta recently announcing methanol bunkering pilots and new vessel arrivals, Mureloil’s latest delivery ensures that Spanish bunkering remains competitive as the global fleet transitions away from heavy fuel oils.
About Astilleros de Murueta (Murueta Shipyards)
Established in 1943 along the Gernika estuary in Bizkaia, Spain, Astilleros de Murueta is a leading private shipbuilder that has spent over 80 years at the forefront of naval engineering. From its humble beginnings with the launch of the cargo ship Punta Begoña, the company has grown into a highly specialized industrial group, having delivered more than 300 vessels to date.
Today, Murueta operates two strategic facilities in the Basque Country, the original yard in Gernika and a second in Erandio, Bilbao, where it leverages advanced technology and a highly skilled workforce to design and construct everything from freezer trawlers and live fish carriers to sophisticated tankers and tugs.
About MURELOIL SA
MurelOil SA is a leading tanker owning and bunker service company based in Bilbao, Spain, specializing in the supply and transport of marine fuels. With a long history of excellence and a forward-looking approach to sustainability, MURELOIL is committed to driving innovation in the maritime fuel industry, ensuring a greener future for global shipping.
Source: MurelOil