Cologne-based HGK Shipping has put into service another future-oriented vessel, marked by the naming ceremony for the gas tanker, ‘Gas 96’, in Rotterdam.
This is the third gas carrier that combines extreme optimisation for operations in shallow waters with a diesel-electric future-fuel-ready drive system for what is considered Europe’s largest inland waterway shipping company.
Acting as a pioneer in the sector, HGK Shipping is continuing to rely on innovative vessel designs. The Gas 96 will operate on the Rhine routes between Rotterdam, Antwerp and Cologne with immediate effect and transport gases that have been liquefied under pressure for the chemicals group, LyondellBasell (LYB). A long-term charter agreement forms the basis for this.
The Gas 96 provides four tanks with a total cargo volume of 3,256m3 for transport operations. Developed at HGK Shipping’s innovative Design Centre, the vessel is 110m long and 15m wide.
Thanks to its modern rudder propellors, the large tanker can also safely manoeuvre in extreme water level conditions. Even if the draught is only 1.2m, it can carry more than 300t in order to safeguard reliable supplies, even during challenging weather phases. In ideal water conditions, the maximum tonnage per journey is more than 2,500t. After the hull was first completed at Severnav in Romania, the superstructure work took place at De Gerlien van Tiem in the Netherlands.
Yarelis Hernandez, LYB VP Global Intermediates and Derivatives Manufacturing, said: “Within our close working relationship with HGK Shipping, we’ve repeatedly become aware of how our long-standing partner is meeting our needs with convincing ideas that provide solutions in an environment that’s constantly changing. The Gas 96 is a clear example of this innovative and cooperative approach. Saving resources by using sustainable logistics and a high degree of reliability for supplies are crucial goals in supply chain management for our production and that of our joint venture partner, Covestro.”
Anke Bestmann, HGK Gas Shipping MD, added: “The Gas 96 is not just a tanker for the present time, but also one for the future. Goods that will need to be transported in future, such as ammonia, and fuel systems that are just being developed, such as methanol, have already been taken into consideration with this vessel design. In addition, the power management system on the new vessel reduces fuel consumption and waste gas emissions, as it already adapts the power that’s made available to the output that’s required. The gas tanker has been developed in line with the special requirements of LyondellBasell (LYB) and Covestro. We’re delighted to be able to meet our customers’ needs through our innovative and sustainable new vessels.”
Image: The ‘Gas 96’, a future-orientated gas tanker that combines efficiency, sustainability, and security of supply (credit: Maritime Filming Group)
