IMO Secretary General Attends Launch of Methanol-Ready Tanker Thun Resolve

Strengthens sustainable short‑sea capacity with European‑built efficiency

LEER, GERMANY - 12 February 2026, 11:15 CET.

Erik Thun Group today launched the product tanker Thun Resolve, the newest vessel in its R‑class series: “Resource Efficiency”-vessels designed to combine top-tier performance with sustainability, reliability, and care for the people working onboard at Shipyard Ferus Smit BV in Leer, Germany. The launch took place at 11:00 CET and was attended by IMO (International Maritime Organization) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, head of the UN organisation for maritime safety and environmental protection, alongside Brigit Gijsbers, Deputy Director-General for Civil Aviation and Maritime Affairs in the Netherlands, who served as the vessel's Godmother - a recognition of Erik Thun Group’s long‑standing commitment to responsible, future‑ready shipping. The ceremony marks another step in the company’s long‑term fleet renewal program, reinforcing its commitment to being a sustainable Swedish partner over generations.

Thun Resolve is designed for efficient, reliable service in the Northern European short‑sea product tanker market. Upon delivery, she will enter a long‑term employment program serving established trade lanes and key chartering partners. The vessel will be operated by Thun Tankers BV and will enter the managed fleet of MF Shipping Group, providing technical management. The vessel will also sail as part of the Gothia Tanker Alliance, strengthening a collaborative network focused on safety, operational reliability, and stable transport capacity for customers across the region.

Built with a focus on practical sustainability, the vessel incorporates shore‑power readiness, adaptive propulsion, UPS battery support, and the latest hull design to reduce resistance in real operating conditions. The tanker is also methanol‑ready, enabling a smoother transition to future low‑emission fuels. These combined features lower fuel consumption and emissions both at sea and in port, strengthening compliance with current and upcoming environmental requirements.“Thun Resolve strengthens our ability to support customers who rely on safe, efficient, and dependable transport in a changing regulatory landscape,” says Johan Källsson, Managing Director, Erik Thun Group. “Each vessel we add is built for long‑term value for our clients, our crews, and the regions we serve.”

The vessel was built by Ferus Smit BV, continuing a partnership that now spans 51 vessels. Erik Thun Group’s collaboration with the yard and MF Shipping Group reflects a shared European shipbuilding heritage and decades of cooperation based on trust, quality, and long‑term thinking.

Following the launch ceremony, Erik Thun Group , Ferus Smith and MF Shipping Group hosted an international panel discussion at the Martinikerk in Groningen, the Netherlands. The session brought together partners and stakeholders to address current challenges in sustainable shipbuilding, efficient transport solutions, and digitalisation on board. The dialogue reflects the industry's commitment to collaborative approaches in navigating the maritime energy transition.

Key specifications include a length overall of 114.95 meters, beam of 15.87 meters, draft of 6.9 meters, deadweight of 7,999 tons, cargo tank capacity of 9,500 cubic meters, and Ice Class 1A - providing the flexibility required for year‑round Northern European operations.

“The R‑class combines proven design with practical innovation,” says Joakim Lund, Chief Commercial Officer, Thun Tankers BV. “Adaptive propulsion, methanol readiness, and a modern hull form give us real operational gains from day one, while shore‑power and UPS support reduce environmental impact in port. It’s technology that works for both people and performance.”