The 110-metre long barges will be contracted by Interstream Barging (ISB) and built at Peters Shipyards in Kampen, The Netherlands. They will go on charter to Shell from 2013.
They feature a bridge at the front of the barge which Shell said enables better trim, more efficient movement through water and the potential for a higher level of safety.
The major said the new units, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in the spring, will join the Shell Rhine Fleet and operate in The Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany. They will carry enough LNG to sail for up to seven days - from Rotterdam to Basel and back without refuelling.
The barges will house the LNG in 40-cbm tanks located at the rear side of the barge and mounted on the deck.
As yet Rotterdam has no bunkering facilities although its port authority is working on plans to grow these activities. Shell’s spokeswoman said: “At this stage we intend to refuel the barges using trucks at the Seine harbour at Rotterdam. The supply will come from third party contractual supply agreements.
Shell vice president for Shipping Grahame Henderson said: “Shell sees real growth opportunities for LNG as a fuel in coastal and inland shipping in Europe. LNG can help shipping operators meet strict emissions standards, such as those that are due to apply on the Rhine.”
Shell’s spokeswoman said the company will first focus on making the operation of these two barges a success. Further growth of the LNG fleet is likely but at this stage it is too early to offer any details.
