Manta Marine Technologies (MMT) has received an order for two FuelOpt systems for Sirius Shipping’s Sirius Evolution class product/chemical tankers to optimise fuel efficiency on the vessels and support Just-in-Time Arrival (JIT) operations.
The pair of 15,000 dwt vessels will be chartered by Preem Shipping to form the backbone of its next-generation system for the sustainable marine transportation of renewable raw materials and finished refined products. Striving for the best environmental performance, Preem is adopting a JIT approach to marine transportation, adjusting vessel speed to ensure ships arrive at their destination when required, rather than burning extra fuel to arrive early only to wait to enter port.
Sirius Shipping is a user of MMT’s Fleet Analytics tool and the latest FuelOpt order expands the relationship between the two companies, with the system being installed on six vessels across the Sirius Shipping fleet.
The new orders are considered to demonstrate the versatility of FuelOpt as a tool to optimise ship operations. FuelOpt will ensure that the vessel sails with the target speed, set up by the voyage instructions, to be able to meet the JIT arrival. This ensures that vessels are unlikely to use more fuel than is necessary by minimising the likelihood of an early arrival at the next port of call and necessitating wait times — reducing emissions and helping to advance environmentally-friendly operations.
As a fuel-agnostic solution, FuelOpt will continue to provide up to 10% fuel-saving benefits should Sirius choose in future to convert the methanol-ready vessels to use methanol as a fuel.
Richard Bjercke, MMT CCO said: “Sirius Shipping and MMT are united in our goal of reducing emissions from shipping and we are delighted they have chosen FuelOpt for these innovative new builds. After eight years of first-hand experience with FuelOpt, the latest orders from Sirius demonstrate the strong reputation and operational value of the system. Pairing high-quality ships with FuelOpt and JIT is a recipe for industry-leading vessel efficiency. We will continue to develop our systems and push the boundaries of fuel saving alongside our customers to help them exceed regulatory targets and minimise fuel costs.”
Jonas Backman, MD Sirius Shipping added: “Our pathway-to-zero commitment is central to our ethos and activities at Sirius Shipping. Minimising vessel emissions through a focus on operational efficiency makes commercial and environmental sense, while also reducing the volumes of green fuels we will require in the future to meet our zero emissions goal. FuelOpt has proven a valuable and useful tool across our fleet and we did not hesitate to add its capabilities to the upcoming Evolution 15K series.”
The two product/chemical tankers will be delivered in the second half of 2026.
Image: Sirius Shipping’s Evolution product tankers will use FuelOpt (source: MMT)
