The Erik Thun Group’s latest tanker was christened at Ferus Smit in Leer. A well-known face from the international shipping industry was also present.
The “Thun Resolve” is the latest ship in Erik Thun’s R-Class. These are “resource-efficient” ships designed to combine high performance with sustainability, reliability and the well-being of the crew.
The godmother of the newbuild is Brigit Gijsbers, Deputy Director General for Civil Aviation and Maritime Affairs in the Netherlands – for Erik Thun a “recognition of many years of commitment” to responsible and sustainable shipping. And another “bigwig” was on site: Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) attended the ship’s christening in Leer.
The “Thun Resolve” is designed for efficient and reliable operation in the Northern European short-haul product tanker market. After delivery, it will be included in a long-term deployment program and serve established trade routes as well as important charter partners of Erik Thun. Thun Tankers will operate the vessel, while MF Shipping Group will be responsible for ship and technical management. The “Thun Resolve” will also operate as part of the Gothia Tanker Alliance, a cooperation between Thun Tankers and the Swedish ship owner Furetank.
The vessel is equipped with shore power, adaptive propulsion, UPS battery support and a modern hull design to reduce resistance. The tanker is also prepared for methanol operation, enabling a smooth transition to future low-emission fuels. These combined features are designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions both at sea and in port, improving compliance with current and future environmental regulations.
“The Thun Resolve strengthens our ability to support customers who need safe, efficient and reliable transportation in a changing regulatory environment,” says Johan Källsson, Managing Director of Erik Thun Group. “Every vessel we put into service is designed for long-term benefit for our customers, our crews and the regions in which we operate.”
More than 50 ships
The ship was built by Ferus Smit, continuing a partnership that now comprises 51 vessels. The last newbuild “Naven” was only launched in December.
“The collaboration between the Erik Thun Group, the shipyard and the MF Shipping Group reflects a shared European shipbuilding tradition and decades of cooperation based on trust, quality and long-term thinking,” says the shipping company.
The “Thun Resolve” is 115 meters long, 15.9 meters wide and has a draught of 6.9 meters. It has a load capacity of 7,999 tons and a hold volume of 9,500m3. The ship has ice class 1A, making it suitable for year-round use in Northern Europe.
“The R-Class combines proven design with practical innovation,” says Joakim Lund, Chief Commercial Officer of Thun Tankers BV. “Adaptive propulsion, methanol capability and a modern hull form give us real operational benefits from day one, while shore power and UPS systems reduce the environmental impact in port. It’s a technology that meets people’s needs as well as performance.”
Following the launching ceremony, Erik Thun Group, Ferus Smit and MF Shipping Group hosted an international panel discussion at the Martinikerk in Groningen, the Netherlands. The event brought together partners and stakeholders to discuss current challenges in sustainable shipbuilding, efficient transport solutions and digitalization on board.
