Hybrid tanker features Schottel propulsion

The Bahía Beatriz, launched in February 2026, will operate alongside its sister ship Bahía Candela, effectively doubling the company’s capacity to transport biofuels and methanol.

“Choosing azimuth thrusters for a diesel-electric bunker vessel is not just a technical preference – it is a strategic maintenance decision that enhances safety and performance in one of the most demanding maritime operations: ship-to-ship fuel transfer,” explained Jose Luis Caraballo, general manager at Mureloil.

The tanker is specifically designed for bunkering and terminal-to-terminal fuel transport, requiring high levels of precision and reliability during operations in close proximity to other vessels.

Its diesel-electric propulsion system, combined with two RudderPropellers type SRP 360 and a TransverseThruster type STT 1, enables accurate manoeuvring even in challenging conditions, while built-in redundancy enhances operational security.

The introduction of battery-based diesel-electric technology allows the vessel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% and operate on zero emissions during port calls. This supports compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations while maintaining operational flexibility for modern port environments.