We are very pleased to announce that motor tanker TURMOIL joined the fleet on 19 October 2011. Referred to as "Onomichi Mark IV" by the builder, the design embodies some of the latest thinking on medium range (MR) tankers. Capable of carrying six different grades of cargo simultaneously, this ship further expands the company’s stable of MR workhorses. The name TURMOIL has in the past featured on two Transpetrol ships.

Welcome to the fleet and good luck!

Motor tanker Perseverance is currently performing a novel voyage carrying a cargo of about 64,000 tonnes of JET A-1 from the Far East to Western Europe via the the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
Compared to the ship’s maiden NSR voyage from west to east in July, the ice conditions during this passage are significantly milder and have allowed the ship to achieve an average speed approaching 13 knots.
Sailing via the NSR allows journey time between Northern Europe and the Far East to be cut by up to half whilst at the same time saving hundreds of tonnes of fuel in propulsion. This year’s summer season is anticipated to close by the end of October.

Perseverance, under the command of Captain Pietka, and with Chief Engineer Bartkowiak looking after machinery, is currently en route from Vitino, Russia, to Zhoushan, China, via the Northern Sea Route (NSR). Vincent Taymans from our Brussels office is also on board, as a special envoy.

This is the first time that a ship in the Transpetrol fleet has undertaken this voyage. On charter to the shipping arm of NOVATEK, Russia’s second-largest natural gas producer, Perseverance is also reported to be the first tanker to follow the NSR this season. Even though the ice floes diminish during the summer months, transit is made possible only with the expert assistance of the Rosatomflot icebreakers Yamal and Taymyr. With Yamal in the lead, Taymyr and Perseverance follow closely behind to prevent the freshly made channel from closing up again. Continuous communication between the ships is therefore essential.

Like any voyage, this one required preparation. However, the Arctic route will probably never be considered a ‘milk run’, and embarking on it is more like an expedition. Passing through mostly remote areas, the ‘caravan’ must be self-reliant in dealing with any mishap that might occur during the voyage. The icebreakers thus also serve as emergency response vessels with an onboard hospital, pollution response equipment, towing capabilities and specialized communications equipment.

We are pleased to report that Perseverance successfully reached open water on 14 July and, having waved off her trusty companions Yamal and Taymyr, she is currently proceeding to warmer climes. Whether another NSR trip is on the cards remains to be seen. What we do know is that this journey has been fascinating for everyone involved, and we would like to say a special thank-you to our Russian counterparts for their strong support on all fronts, making the adventure a positive experience and a memory to treasure.

Welcome to our new website (TP Mk 3) which features improved accessibility and smoother navigation.
We are also pleased to present an improved photo section with higher resolution photographs. This section will gradually be expanded with more images of and from the fleet.

Previously known as Hyundai Mipo Dockyard hull no. 2142, Alpine Venture (29,130 GT) entered service on 28 October.

Phenolic epoxy coated cargo and slops tanks in combination with hydraulically driven deepwell pumps allow the class description to include "Oil and Chemical Tanker, Ship Type 3". This brand new ship joins sisters Alpine Endurance, Alpine Eternity and Alpine Loyalty under the commercial umbrella of ST Shipping and Transport Pte Ltd.

Welcome to the fleet and good luck!