Port of Auckland in New Zealand is moving deeper into the bunkering business with a newbuild tanker designed to support the shift toward cleaner marine fuels. Its bunkering arm, Seafuels, has signed a NZD50m ($29m) shipbuilding contract for a vessel capable of supplying biodiesel and methanol, alongside low-sulphur fuel and marine gasoil.
The order has been placed with Ada Denizcilik in Tuzla, Turkey, for an IMO Class II chemical tanker, scheduled for delivery in late 2027. Once in service, the ship will go on long-term charter to a major fuel supplier.
The project fits into Auckland’s wider decarbonisation push. The port is working toward its own zero-emissions target in the same timeframe, having introduced the world’s first fully electric tug, Sparky, in 2022.
The decision to invest followed months of discussions with shipping lines calling at Auckland about their future fuel requirements. “This tanker is a significant investment in the port’s future and a big milestone in our sustainability journey,” said Port of Auckland CEO Roger Gray. “We’re pleased to be able to offer a practical tool toward lower-carbon intensive shipping.”
The newbuild will replace Awanuia, Seafuels’ 4,000 dwt bunkering vessel delivered in 2009, which will have completed 18 years of service when it steps aside for the upgraded, future-fuels-ready tanker.
