Hybrid barge boosts low emissions bunkering operations

The company has time-chartered the 750-cubic-metre Tristar Eco Voyager from Tristar Group to strengthen its lubricant bunkering capabilities at the UAE port. 

“We are absolutely delighted to commence operations with the new Tristar Eco Voyager, continuing our long-standing partnership with Tristar,” said Louise Tricoire, director of Lubmarine.

“The barge not only expands our capacity for ship-to-ship delivery of high-quality lubricants in Fujairah, but its cutting-edge design including electric main powertrain also clearly demonstrates our leadership in advancing sustainable marine operations,”

Cleaner bunkering

Designed for improved efficiency, the hybrid barge combines electric and biofuel propulsion, aligning with the industry’s growing shift toward alternative fuels and reduced-emission operations.

Built at Turkey’s Akdeniz shipyard, the vessel arrived in Fujairah following a July maiden voyage and now replaces Lubmarine’s existing barge.

The new hybrid design is engineered to cut CO₂ emissions by around 35% when operating on a 50:50 mix of electricity and biofuel, compared with traditional Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) propulsion.

As Fujairah Port expands electric charging infrastructure, the Tristar Eco Voyager is expected to rely even more on electric power, further lowering its environmental footprint.

The barge’s advanced powertrain and low-carbon capabilities position it as a first-of-its-kind solution in the region.