Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 4, German shipowner TB Marine and Sweden’s Ektank have confirmed an order for 22,000 dwt methanol-ready chemical carriers, which will join the IceChem Tankers pool. According to IceChem, four new vessels have been contracted, with the first delivery scheduled for autumn 2026. Additional ships will follow at intervals of three months, with the final unit expected by summer 2027.

IceChem, founded in 2018, manages a fleet of 12 coated ice class 1A chemical tankers ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 dwt. Both TB Marine and Ektank are shareholders in the pool, which focuses on chemical tanker operations in the North Atlantic region.

While the shipyard and contract price have not been officially disclosed, industry sources previously linked TB Marine to 22,000 dwt newbuilds at Ningbo Xinle Shipbuilding in China, with two deliveries noted for late 2026. The current order is seen as consistent with that earlier information, though no confirmation has been provided by the companies involved.

The new methanol-ready tankers are designed with a focus on operational efficiency and environmental performance. IceChem stated that the vessels have been tailored specifically for the pool’s North Atlantic trades, with features that will enable lower fuel consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional chemical carriers of similar size.

By joining the IceChem pool, the upcoming ships are expected to strengthen fleet capabilities and enhance service reliability in ice-prone waters. The addition of methanol-ready tonnage reflects the broader industry trend toward adopting alternative fuels and preparing for future decarbonization pathways.

Since its establishment, IceChem has positioned itself as a collaborative platform for owners of ice-class chemical tankers, offering commercial management under a shared framework. The pool structure allows participants to benefit from optimized scheduling, marketing, and operational synergies across a specialized fleet.

With TB Marine and Ektank’s newbuild program, IceChem will expand both capacity and sustainability credentials, ensuring competitiveness in a sector increasingly shaped by energy transition requirements and evolving trade demands. The delivery schedule between 2026 and 2027 aligns with anticipated growth in demand for more efficient and environmentally adapted tonnage in the chemical shipping market.

These upcoming additions also illustrate the growing role of methanol as a potential marine fuel, as shipowners prepare their fleets for compliance with tightening emissions regulations. The ability to adopt methanol propulsion provides a flexible pathway for reducing carbon intensity while maintaining operational effectiveness on established trade routes.

Overall, the new methanol-ready chemical carriers highlight a coordinated effort among pool members to modernize their fleet, improve environmental performance, and secure a stronger position in North Atlantic chemical transport. By combining technical innovation with a pool-based business model, IceChem continues to build a platform that balances commercial efficiency with sustainability goals.