Natalia Cosulich Steel Cutting Ceremony

On 4 February, the steel cutting ceremony of Natalia Cosulich took place at the Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China, marking the official start of construction of the final vessel in the Group’s new methanol-ready bunker tanker programme.

The ceremony, attended by our colleague Diana Mok, Managing Director of Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers (S) Pte Ltd, represents the first concrete step in turning design into structure, and the beginning of Natalia Cosulich’s construction journey.

At the same time, this milestone also marks the completion of a broader strategic vision: Natalia Cosulich is the fourth and final sister vessel in the Group’s new series of methanol-ready IMO II bunker tankers. A programme developed to support the maritime industry’s transition towards lower-carbon and alternative marine fuels, and to respond to the evolving needs of sustainable bunkering operations.

As with the other vessels in the series, the name Natalia Cosulich reflects a long-standing family tradition, underlining the Group’s deep-rooted values, continuity and long-term vision.

The vessel will be built to high environmental and operational standards and fitted with a phenolic epoxy cargo tank coating, ensuring strong chemical resistance, long-term protection of cargo tanks, and readiness for the safe and efficient handling of methanol and other specialised cargoes in future operations.

The steel cutting of Natalia Cosulich not only signals the start of a new vessel, but also represents an important milestone in the Group’s ongoing commitment to fleet development, innovation and preparedness for an evolving marine energy landscape.