Hercules Tanker Management (HTM) on Wednesday (2 September) said its latest Ultra-Spec Series of next-generation tankers, Hercules Vanessa , has commenced her maiden voyage. HTM is the shipping venture launched by John A. Bassadone, founder and CEO of independent marine fuel supplier Peninsula. The 10-vessel programme forms part of the company’s long-term fleet renewal strategy, replacing ageing tonnage with more efficient vessels while delivering the future-ready capability needed to support the maritime industry’s evolving energy landscape. Designed for worldwide deployment, the series can transport and supply conventional marine fuels as well as alternative fuels up to B100 and methanol. Hercules Vanessa is also the first in the series to feature MarineLINE, a high-performance cargo tank coating system. The vessel is currently en route to Port Louis to take bunkers and provisions before continuing southbound towards Cape Town. It is scheduled to discharge a cargo of biofuel, loaded at Nansha Terminal in China, in Ghent later this year. “HTM’s Ultra-Spec Series continues to gather momentum as we build a modern fleet capable of supporting cleaner marine fuel supply chains,” the company said. Related : Hercules Tanker Management launches ‘Ultra-Spec Series’ bunker tanker “Harriet”   Photo credit: Hercules Tanker Management Published: 3 September, 2026