On February 12 Erik Thun Group launched Thun Resolve (flying the Dutch flag) at the yard in Leer. The vessel is a methanol-ready tanker and is the newest in the group’s R‑class series. The launch was attended by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and Deputy Director-General for Civil Aviation and Maritime Affairs of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management Brigit Gijsbers.
Mrs. Gijsbers also serves as Godmother of the vessel that is designed for efficient, reliable service in the Northern European short‑sea product tanker market. The vessel (flying the Dutch flag) 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.
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.
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 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.
Source: Erik Thun Group