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Becker Marine Systems and KOTUG have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch an LNG Hybrid Barge in the port of Rotterdam in June 2017.

The LNG Hybrid Barge, a floating energy plant, is designed to provide environmentally friendly power for ships in ports; it is an alternative to producing electricity in the traditional way by either their generator sets or their main engines. During the winter, the barge will also be able to deliver heat to factories or to the central city heating system in addition to electricity.

The LNG Hybrid Barge concept is patented by LNG Hybrid, a division of Becker Marine systems. Dirk Lehmann, Managing Director of Becker Marine Systems said: "The LNG Hybrid Barge is the first flexible solution supplying clean LNG energy to cruise ships during summer season and providing the flexibility of generating electric energy and heat into a public grid system or industrial users during winter season. We see this advanced flexible solution as an opportunity for Rotterdam and other international ports."

The LNG Hybrid Barge will primarily be used to support cruise ships moored in Rotterdam - traditionally key clients of KOTUG. KOTUG will provide commercial, technical and operational management of the vessel.

Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO of KOTUG stated: "As a leading towage company and with our strong focus on innovative technical and environmental solutions, we strive for reducing our environmental footprint and encouraging our suppliers, clients, business partners and stakeholders to reduce their environmental impact. We are proud to be working with innovative partners like Becker Marine Systems and we look forward to making together a significant step in supporting our clients in a greener, safer and more efficient operation."

Arjan Stavast, Shell's Downstream LNG Business Development Manager for Europe, is quoted as saying: "We see the LNG Hybrid Barge as a unique solution for the maritime industry. We will follow these developments closely as we do believe that the delivery of electricity through LNG is possible for ships, factories and cities, while not having to invest heavily in additional electricity infrastructure."

Mai Elmar, Executive Director of Cruise Port Rotterdam, stated: "The LNG Hybrid barge which KOTUG and Becker Marine Systems together are planning to introduce to Rotterdam will potentially reduce emissions even further. The cruise industry is known to work successfully towards a cleaner and healthier environment to which this LNG Hybrid Barge certainly substantially will contribute to. It will enable the cruise vessels to consume energy in an even cleaner and green way. We are delighted to learn about this initiative and are looking forward to welcome the LNG Hybrid barge in Rotterdam."

Gerrit van Tongeren, Chairman of the Dutch National LNG Platform, remarked: "This initiative between KOTUG and Becker Marine Systems is very much welcomed and supported by the Dutch National LNG Platform. It is another great and unique example of how leading maritime companies, each with their own specialty, can work together in the entire LNG chain. We share the same goal: to get LNG introduced in the market and contribute to a cleaner and greener environment. We therefore follow and support this initiative and wish all parties good luck in achieving the objectives."

Image: 3D illustration of the LNG hybrid barge.