LNG barges partly built at Centromost to be powered by Wärtsilä engines

A series of 15 inland waterway barges being built for Belgium based Plouvier Transport NV, for Shell Trading Rotterdam (Shell) charter, are to be powered by Wärtsilä dual-fuel main engines.

The barges will operate primarily on liquefied natural gas (LNG). Wärtsilä will also supply other propulsion equipment and its LNGPac fuel gas handling system. The ships’ partially outfitted hulls are under construction at Centromost shipyard in Plock, on the river Vistula, Poland (VEKA Group member) and outfitting will be carried out at VEKA Shipyard Werkendam.

In optimising the efficiency parameters for these 15 vessels, Wärtsilä was able to draw on its experience from the two latest dual-fuel powered inland waterway vessels with Wärtsilä DF engines. The company also recently introduced a combined engine and thruster package that is ideal for the specific demands of river and inland waterway operation.

Shell will utilise these 110 metre long barges to support its growing operations in the ARA (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) and Rhinetrack (Germany/Switzerland) regions. The specified requirements were for environmental compliance, reliability, fuel flexibility, low operational costs, and a proven concept. The development of LNG as a cleaner fuel for shipping is supported by Shell, and these innovative new vessels represent an important endorsement of this support. They will also enhance the safety and efficiency performance of the company’s fleet.

For each barge, the full Wärtsilä scope of supply comprises a 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel main engine, a gearbox, an LNGPac fuel gas handling system (developed in close cooperation with Cryonorm), and a Wärtsilä propeller with an HR nozzle.

The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yards commencing in June 2016. All the barges are expected to be delivered by mid-2018.