Russian bunker tanker upgrade

St Petersburg bunker company ECO Phoenix Holding is boosting its ability to deliver marine fuel to customers throughout the year with the introduction into service in March of an ice class double-hull tanker. The purchase represents the first stage of a programme to upgrade the ECO Phoenix fleet both in terms of operational capability and environmental protection.

Built in Holland in 1986 to a Vuyk design, the 1,730 dwt Ecomarin was acquired last year by the Russian company from a Croatian concern. The ship was in good technical condition when it was purchased, according to Vadim Tafaniouk, head of the company’s fleet department. It was dry-docked in Riga in February 2003 and the registering class was changed from Croatian class to the Russian Maritime Register. LU-3 ice class was returned to the vessel and some routine works were undertaken.

The company says the acquisition of the 73.45m long tanker is in response to the greater awareness generated by the Prestige incident, which has given the continuing tanker safety debate renewed impetus. The company anticipates that, within a fairly short time, bunkering companies within the EU will have to switch to double-hull tankers. That process will probably take much longer in Russia, but it will inevitably happen eventually despite the fact that the cost to Russian bunker companies will be high since there are very few double-hulled bunker tankers in Russia at present. ECO Phoenix plans to acquire a further two modern barges as the next phase of its modernisation strategy.

Fitted with two 120m3/hr pumps, the tanker will reduce delivery times. This is viewed as particularly important this year since it is the 300th anniversary of the founding of St Petersburg and a large number of cruise ships are expected to visit the port.

The main propulsion machinery is a MaK medium speed diesel with an output of 1,650kW driving a single FP propeller.

Established in 1994, ECO Phoenix provides bunkering facilities at St Petersburg where, with its own storage facilities and tanker fleet, it is the port’s biggest supplier. It will use the new vessel for bunker fuel deliveries not only within the port of St Petersburg but also to other ports in the Gulf of Finland area such as Viborg, Ust-Luga and Visotsk. Crucial for operational safety in this region is the tanker’s LU3 ice classification enabling it to operate in winter conditions without the assistance of an icebreaker.