In a bold move toward greener maritime operations, Greek shipping giant Thenamaris has added the cutting-edge Aframax tanker Isabella to its fleet. Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), this vessel is a shining example of how innovation and sustainability are reshaping the shipping industry. Let’s dive into what makes Isabella a game-changer.
A New Era of Eco-Friendly Shipping
The Isabella, unveiled on February 24, 2025, is the third in a series of 114,000 dwt Aframax product tankers designed and built by SWS. Measuring 250 meters in length with a beam of 44 meters, this Malta-flagged vessel boasts a cargo tank capacity of 130,000 cubic meters. But what truly sets Isabella apart is its advanced environmental technology.
Equipped with state-of-the-art exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), or scrubbers, the tanker is designed to significantly reduce sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions. These scrubbers use a combination of seawater, freshwater, and chemical additives to neutralize harmful gases before they’re released into the atmosphere. This makes Isabella not just a workhorse of the seas, but a guardian of the environment.
Cutting-Edge Design Meets Fuel Efficiency
The Isabella isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s also a marvel of modern engineering. As part of a new generation of Aframax tankers, it features a host of technological advancements aimed at boosting fuel efficiency. Energy-saving ducts, an optimized main engine, and hydrodynamic performance enhancements work in harmony to minimize resistance and optimize water flow around the hull and propeller.
One standout feature is the inclusion of vortex fins, which further enhance the vessel’s fuel efficiency. These innovations ensure that Isabella not only meets but exceeds the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Phase 3 Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements for 2025. In short, this tanker is as efficient as it is eco-friendly.
A Year of Milestones for SWS and Thenamaris
The delivery of Isabella marks another milestone in the partnership between Thenamaris and SWS. Earlier in January 2025, SWS handed over the Seascout, another 114,000 dwt Aframax tanker, to Thenamaris. Like Isabella, the Seascout is NOx III-compliant and adheres to the latest EEDI standards.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. SWS has a packed schedule for 2025, with over 20 vessels slated for delivery. These include 8,600 CEU LNG dual-fuel pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), 7,000 TEU medium-sized containerships, and more Aframax product tankers. It’s clear that SWS is leading the charge in building the next generation of sustainable ships.
