Belgium’s Somtrans to take delivery of two LNG-powered inland tankers

Belgian shipping firm Somtrans should later this year commission two LNG-powered inland barges to work along the Rhine.

Dutch shipbuilder and shipbroker RensenDriessen says the 14,000 cbm inland chemical tankers would join the Somtrans fleet in “a few months.”

With a length of 135 meters and a width of 22.80 meters, Swiss LNG 1 and Swiss LNG 2 will be able to run both on liquefied natural gas and diesel. The LR-classed vessels feature dual-fuel propulsion from Finland’s Wartsila.

RensenDriessen, the designer of the ships, said the vessels’ 70 cbm LNG tanks and fueling systems were delivered last week. Dutch cryogenic tech firm Cryonorm supplied the equipment.

In addition, compatriot De Gerlien van Tiem Shipyard is currenty outfiting both of the tankers, according to RensenDriessen.

The tankers will be able to sail at “extremely low” water levels and they will “work on the Rhine, towards the German hinterland,” RensenDriessen said.

Their trading route would include the Dutch port of Rotterdam and Basel in Switzerland.

Somtrans to start using two LNG-powered inland vessels on Rhine
Somtrans LNG (Image: RensenDriessen)

RensenDriessen also worked, along with TeamCo Shipyard, on the first LNG-powered inland vessel for the Belgian shipowner, named Somtrans LNG. Crynorm supplied the 90 cbm tank and fueling system while Wartsila delivered the dual-fuel propulsion.

This vessel started serving Somtrans in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region region in 2019.

Most Popular

India’s ONGC approves Mozambique LNG investment

India’s state-run ONGC has approved an investment by its unit, ONGC Videsh, into the TotalEnergies-led Mozambique LNG joint venture, which is developing a 12.8 mtpa liquefaction plant at the Afungi complex.

Australia’s Viva Energy seeks FSRU for Geelong project

Australia’s Viva Energy is looking to secure a floating storage and regasification Unit (FSRU) for its proposed LNG import terminal in Geelong, Australia.

Atlantic LNG shipping rates, European prices down

Atlantic LNG freight shipping rates and European prices decreased this week compared to the week before.

More News Like This

CIMC SOE completes Croatian regas module

Chinese shipbuilder Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering has completed Wartsila's regasification module that will be installed onboard the 140,000-cbm FSRU, LNG Croatia.

Japan’s Tokyo Gas completes Sodegaura LNG power plant

Japan’s city gas supplier and LNG importer, Tokyo Gas, has completed its power plant located at the LNG import terminal in Sodegaura, Chiba prefecture.

Wartsila to support Balearia’s LNG-powered ferry

Finland’s Wartsila has signed a deal with Spanish ferry operator Balearia to support the latter’s LNG-powered ferry, Margarita Salas. According...

Wartsila to support GasLog’s LNG carrier quintet

A unit of Finland’s Wartsila has signed a deal with Greek shipowner GasLog to support the latter’s five liquefied...