Successful launch

Nynas relies on an extensive distribution network for crude oil, oil components and finished products. Thanks to an international network of depots, ships and tank trucks, it is possible to meet the market's high demands for safety, service, cost-effectiveness and sustainable development.

It is against this backdrop that we will assess the decision to replace the veteran MT Thun Gothenburg with a more modern and fuel-efficient vessel for the delivery of naphthenic specialty oils.

The new vessel, MT Thun Resource, is tailored to Nynas' needs and is the first in a series of six vessels being built by the Dutch company Ferus Smit for the Swedish shipping company Erik Thun AB/Thun Tankers.

This means that Nynas charters the vessel, while the management is owned and operated by Thun Tankers.

"At the outset, our agreement runs for five years, but I expect that we will have MT Thun Resource in operation for up to 15-20 years," says Andrew Hamill, Chartering Manager at Nynas.

A significant advantage in this context is that Nynas was involved in the early stages of the design. This has made it possible to meet the high demands placed on deliveries of Nynas specialty product. But it is also important to have access to a vessel adapted to the major changes that shipping is undergoing due to new regulations concerning vessel efficiency and carbon emissions.

The requirements that Nynas has set primarily concern the vessel's tanks. There are a total of 16 coated cargo tanks with individual pumps, which is unusually high and sets MT Thun Resource apart from the other five vessels in this series.

Another significant advantage is fuel efficiency. Compared to Nynas' existing vessels, there is a 35% improvement, while within the framework of these savings, there is a capacity increase of approximately 1,500 cubic meters. Additionally, it is prepared to operate the pumps with electricity during loading instead of the usual bunker oil.

In other words, there was much to celebrate when a team from Nynas arrived at Ferus Smit's shipyard in the northern German city of Leer on 10 November to participate in the launch.

The ceremony began with Andrew's wife, Ulrika, as the godmother of MT Thun Resource, naming the vessel and wishing its future crew all the best before she smashed a bottle of champagne against the vessel's hull.

Afterward, the new vessel was released into the water, much to the relief and joy of representatives from the shipyard, Thun Tankers and the Nynas team. 

MT Thun Resource will remain in Leer for a couple of months before it can be put into operation and start transporting Nynas products. This includes installing pumps and completing piping work.

Another important aspect is that work must be done inside the vessel's tanks. In addition to priming and coating the tanks, they will also receive an epoxy treatment. This crucial final phase, preparation and curing, must take its time.

Once this work is completed, the crew will make themselves at home on their new vessel. A test voyage along the coast will also be conducted to fine-tune all the details, which means that the vessel will be delivered to Nynas at the end of January or the beginning of February.

According to the plans, MT Thun Resource will primarily sail from Nynäshamn to the Antwerp hub and the depots that Nynas has throughout North-western Europe.

"The new vessel will provide a modern, fuel-efficient platform to transport our products in a cost-effective manner and assist us in our transition to a sustainable Nynas for the future," concludes Andrew Hamill.