Electric refueling ship from Tristar and Akdeniz Shipyard

Tristar Group, which works towards decarbonizing maritime transportation, signed an agreement with Akdeniz Shipyard to build a hybrid refueling ship for the UAE. The ship, which is planned to be put into service in the first quarter of 2025, will be deployed at Fujairah Port, a multi-purpose maritime facility on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The 750 cubic meter capacity refueling ship was designed to accommodate diesel generators as a backup of electrical energy. The ship will not have a traditional funnel and will house a large battery, saving deck space. When powered, the generators will discharge flue gases underwater, thus greatly reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

This innovative design and the ship’s powertrain will significantly reduce carbon emissions, especially compared to a traditional diesel propulsion system. With well-planned operations, carbon emissions are expected to be reduced by more than 50 percent.

Tristar Group CEO Eugene Mayne said during the contract signed in Dubai with Metin Akbaşoğlu, owner of Akdeniz Shipyard, “We are creating a new opportunity to pioneer green technology in an environment that we have been familiar with for years and that is productive for us.” .

“As a leading player in the global shipping industry, it is imperative that Tristar is willing and able to take the first steps towards any viable decarbonisation and create sectoral change,” Mayne said. “As port infrastructure continues to evolve to support the use of electric vessels in coastal operations, we are optimistic that this bold move will encourage the local maritime industry to follow suit.” He explained his expectations from the project.

The hybrid refueling ship will be built at the Akdeniz Shipyard in Adana, the largest shipyard in Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean in terms of area and capacity. The ship will also provide supplies to ships anchored off the Port of Fujairah.