The Italian shipping group led by the Brullo family is making a significant course change. Following the entry into service last December of Vulcano M, a newly acquired eight-year-old tanker, the Rome-based shipping company Augusta Due has now taken delivery of a newly built vessel designed for the transport of petrochemical products. Recently completed at Chinese shipyards, this new vessel marks the Group's entry into a fleet renewal phase, with a strong focus on sustainability and advanced-technology tankers. Both transactions were finalized with the assistance of the Dardani law firm in Genoa.
Specializing in the transport of petrochemical products and bulk liquids, the Italian shipping group operates a fleet of 19 ships and has established long-standing relationships with leading industry players, including through long-term TC. The company has now taken delivery of an 18,500 DWT (deadweight tonnage) tanker, dual-fuel methanol ready, built by the Chinese shipyard Fujian Southeast Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. in Fujian.
This next-generation tanker meets the most advanced technological standards and, thanks to its highly efficient propulsion system, can cut fuel consumption in half compared to a ship of the same size built just few years ago – all while complying with the strictest international regulations. Due to its low-emission technology, the vessel is also capable of operating in ECA (Emission Control Areas), including Northern Europe, the United States, and, starting in May 2025, the Mediterranean. Additionally, the new tanker is equipped with a shore power connection, allowing it to carry out commercial operations with its engines and generators switched off.
The new vessel, named “Primo M”, also carries symbolic significance: it revives a historic name in the development of the Roman shipping company, echoing the first ship that, in the early 2000s, initiated the renewal of its fleet at the time.
“Our Group,” stated Raffaele and Gabriele Brullo during the delivery and flag-changing ceremony (like all the Group's vessels, this one also proudly flies the Italian tricolour at its stern), “has successfully recovered from challenging times caused by a sharp drop in freight rates, achieving full financial restructuring. We are now implementing a large-scale relaunch plan that will progressively replace much of our current fleet with new vessels featuring advanced technology, high safety standards, and a strong commitment to sustainability.”
The entry into service of Primo M marks the beginning of this new phase of expansion for the Group.
Source: Augusta Due