Spanish shipowner Mureloil has brought its hybrid bunker tanker Bahia Candela into active service, marking a notable step in the company’s fleet development, according to Ship & Bunker.
The 7,500 m³ vessel officially commenced operations on June 4, as confirmed by Mureloil in a LinkedIn post. Chartered to energy company Repsol, the tanker is designed to handle both conventional marine fuels and methanol — reflecting the growing demand for multi-fuel capable vessels in today’s evolving bunkering landscape.
Electric Manoeuvring and Zero Direct Emissions in Port
According to Ship & Bunker, Bahia Candela is Mureloil’s second hybrid ship. A key feature of the vessel is its ability to perform port manoeuvres in fully electric mode using an onboard battery system. Mureloil says this allows operations with no direct emissions and minimal noise — a combination increasingly valued in ports with tightening environmental requirements.
First Voyages Cover Key Spanish Ports
Following its entry into service, Bahia Candela completed its inaugural commercial cargo operations at Bilbao and Mugardos. The vessel subsequently called at Algeciras before heading to Barcelona, where it is expected to base its operations in the coming months, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
The First of Two Vessels for Repsol
The Bahia Candela is the first of two hybrid bunker tankers that Mureloil has chartered to Repsol, with a second vessel to follow.
Does This Matter to You?
This development signals continued investment in hybrid and dual-fuel bunkering infrastructure along the Spanish coastline. For those involved in fuel supply, vessel operations, or port activity in ports such as Bilbao, Algeciras, and Barcelona, the arrival of methanol-capable bunkering tonnage reflects a broader shift in how marine fuels are being distributed at a regional level. The vessel’s electric port manoeuvring capability also highlights how shipowners are responding to growing pressure to reduce port emissions — a trend that may influence future vessel specifications and operational requirements across European bunkering hubs.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
