Rotterdam gets first inland waterway vessel refitted for LNG
The first inland waterway vessel refitted with a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) drive system was officially delivered 19 June today in Rotterdam. Danser Group’s Eiger-Nordwand tug-barge combination was converted by the Koedood firm. With a Wärtsilä dual-fuel drive system, the vessel now gets 95 to 99% of its power from LNG, which significantly reduces emissions. With this first refit project of an inland waterway vessel to LNG, Danser Group has become a pioneer in the increasing demand for cleaner transport in Europe, the company said in its press release.
The refit to LNG reduces the emission of harmful substances is significantly reduced: 20% less CO2, 85% less nitrogen and 99% less fine particulates. Based on current fuel prices, Danser Group will earn back its investment in the refit within seven years. The company wil refit more vessels of its own fleet. In addition to its own fleet, Danser has more than 60 charter vessels. With an annual volume of more than 1 million TEU, the company connects the seaports in Belgium and the Netherlands with the European hinterland.
The LNG refit project was co-financed by the European Union’s Trans-European Transport Network for transport & infrastructure(more: www.lngmasterplan.eu) and the MariTIM project Eco² Inland Vessel. Seaports and inland ports have high hopes for LNG and are currently building the necessary infrastructure. The LNG Master Plan covers the Rhine-Main-Danube region and includes several studies and pilot projects such as the Eiger-Nordwand. The Rotterdam Port Authority coordinates the LNG Masterplan for the Rhine area, in which the port of Rotterdam plays an important role as a hub for the supply of LNG to ships and trucks.
