Convertsing barge to LNG propulsion
The first inland waterway vessel refitted with a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) drive system was officially delivered 19 June in Rotterdam.
For 8 weeks the push-tow combination was at Koedood Diesel Service in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht where the engines have been replaced by dual-fuel LNG engines from Wärtsilä. This makes the Eiger-Nordwand the first barge in the world that has been converted to LNG propulsion. The conversion to LNG gives the Eiger-Nordwand great advantages in emissions reduction and savings in fuel costs compared to diesel. The emission of pollutants is greatly reduced: 20% less CO2, 85% less nitrogen and 99% less particulate matter.
The official program started with speeches by Siebe Riedstra, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and Sophie Cabanis, policy officer at DG Move from the European Commission. In the presence of 400 relations, a panel discussion was held under the leadership of Paul van Liempt, during which the benefits of LNG as fuel, the development of LNG infrastructure and Danser Groups long-term vision on sustainability of the inland container transport per barge where discussed.
After the official part was finished a spectacular trampoline act took place on board of the barge. The Maas between Erasmus- and Willems Bridge was taken over for 5 minutes by three Danser fleet barges assisted by a fireboat from the port authority.
Source and Image Credit: Danser
