Swedish-owned Thun Tankers has commissioned the first of eight product/chemical carriers tailored to the exacting operational and environmental demands of the north European distributive trades. The 7,999dwt Thun Resource features a multi-fuel medium-speed main engine, an adaptive propulsion system, battery pack, cold-ironing provision, and a high degree of cargo compartmentalisation.

Leading a programme placed in several contractual tranches with Dutch shipbuilder Ferus Smit, the R-class is seen by the parent Erik Thun Group as raising the bar in resource efficiency in the short-sea tanker business, shaped not simply by its own goals but also by the corporate agendas of clients. Preparedness for operation on methanol is one facet of the design planning for future use of alternative fuels.

Registered under the Dutch flag, Thun Resource has been by secured on five-year charter by Swedish oil refiner Nynas, and duly took up revenue-earning service in early February, sailing from the company’s Nynashamn terminal, near Stockholm, for coastwise passage to Kalmar and thence on to Antwerp.