Thun Tankers’ new AccessMAX product tankers are designed for constrained waterways

AccessMAX vessels are designed for constrained waterways. [Image: Thun Group]

Gothenburg, Sweden-headquartered Erik Thun Group member Thun Tankers has placed an order at the Ferus Smit shipyard in the Netherlands for two new AccessMAX product tankers.

Designed explicitly for constrained waterways and niche port access, the Ice Class 1A AccessMAX vessels combine Lake Vänern compliant dimensions with shallow draft capability and a cargo intake increase of approximately 10% compared to previous generations of product tankers designed for similar trade.

AccessMAX dimensions:

• LOA: 89 meters
• Beam: 13.35 meter
• Deadweight: 4,500 tonnes
• Cubic capacity: 5000 cubic meters
• Air draft in ballast 18,24 meter

The Thun Group says that the vessels will enable increased, efficient, and reliable cargo-flow into smaller, niche ports while retaining full flexibility for broader, seaborne Northwest European operations.

Combining the features of next generation of sustainable product tankers with decades of in-house experience and close collaboration with the yard Ferus Smit, the AccessMAX vessels are designed to ensure reliable performance in tight approaches and under seasonal conditions.

Their dimensions, shallow draft capability and increased cargo intake, enabling efficient cargo flows deep into Sweden while retaining full flexibility for broader North Sea and Northwest European operations.

The vessels have been ordered as the region’s logistics face increasing demands for resilient inland and coastal connectivity.

“AccessMAX is a practical step for our customers and ports,” says Johan Källsson, managing director, Erik Thun Group. “By combining shallow draft capability with the increased intake, we can serve Lake Vänern and similar constrained waterways reliably while maintaining the efficiency and care that define our family company.”

“These vessels will be engineered for the realities of our trade with restricted approaches, tight locks, and future cargo needs,” says Joakim Lund, chief commercial officer, Thun Tankers. “The AccessMAX design will enable businesses situated in restricted ports to develop and grow in a sustainable manner.”