HGK Shipping christens future-oriented gas tank ship “GAS96”

New milestone for sustainable inland shipping: With the christening of the gas tank ship “GAS 96” last week in Rotterdam, HGK Shipping has officially put another future-oriented vessel into service. For Europe’s largest inland shipping company, this is the third gas tanker that combines extreme draft optimization with a diesel-electric “Future-Fuel-Ready” drive.

(Duisburg/Rotterdam) As a pioneer in the industry, HGK Shipping continues to focus on innovative ship designs. The “GAS 96” is now in operation on the Rhine route between Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Cologne, transporting liquefied gases under pressure for the chemical company LyondellBasell (LYB). This is based on a long-term charter agreement.

For transport, the “GAS 96” has four tanks with a total cargo volume of 3,256 cubic meters. The ship was developed at the innovative design center of HGK Shipping and has a length of 110 meters and a width of 15 meters. With its exceptional parameters, the “GAS 96” sets new standards for the waterway system.

Thanks to the state-of-the-art rudder propellers, the large tanker can safely maneuver even under extreme water level conditions. Even with a draft of only 1.20 meters, it can transport more than 300 tons to ensure supply security even during challenging weather phases. Under optimal water conditions, the maximum tonnage per trip is over 2,500 tons. Initially, the hull was manufactured at Severnav in Romania, and the final assembly took place at De Gerlien van Tiem in the Netherlands.

Innovative and cooperative approach

“In close collaboration with HGK Shipping, we are continually reminded of how our long-standing partner meets our needs in an ever-changing environment with convincing solutions. The ‘GAS 96’ exemplifies this innovative and cooperative approach,” said Yarelis Hernandez, LYB Vice President of Global Intermediates & Derivatives Manufacturing, at the christening in Rotterdam. “Resource conservation through sustainable logistics and a high degree of supply security are central goals in supply chain management for our production and that of our joint venture partner Covestro.”

Making inland shipping future-proof

Anke Bestmann, Managing Director of HGK Gas Shipping GmbH, emphasized: “The ‘GAS 96′ is not only a tanker for the present but also one for the future. Future transport goods such as ammonia and developing fuel systems like methanol have already been considered in this ship design. Additionally, the power management system of the newbuild reduces fuel consumption and emissions, as it continuously adjusts the supplied power to the performance demand. The gas tank ship was developed according to the specific requirements of LyondellBasell and Covestro. We are pleased to meet our customers’ needs with our innovative and sustainable new builds.”

During a ceremonial event, the ship was christened in Rotterdam by Yarelis Hernandez, LYB Vice President of Global Intermediates & Derivatives Manufacturing, together with Reverend Daniel Odhiambo and HGK Shipping.

Photo: © HGK Shipping