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Imperial Logistics International has ordered two new dual-power gas tankers suitable for travelling on canals from the Dutch shipbuilder Veka Group. The vessels will be able to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other gaseous products liquefied under pressure. The relevant construction agreements were signed at Imperial's headquarters on October 13.

Anke Bestmann, Managing Director of Imperial Gas Barging, remarked: "The two new gas tankers set new standards in terms of energy efficiency and carrying capacity. In operation, the new gas tankers are much more economical than the previous units."

Peter Versluis, owner of Veka Group, said: "As a specialized shipbuilder with many years of experience, we can meet the technical requirements of our customers reliably in terms of safety and cost-effectiveness."

The shipyard is due to deliver the vessels in the second half of 2016. Both new units will replace older gas tankers in the fleet, which will then be removed from service. The new gas tankers are to be used by Imperial Gas Barging GmbH. The company currently operates 17 of these vessels.

Both units will be equipped with an innovative rudder propeller drive system. This dual-power system requires less fuel and less maintenance than older power units. The main engines' operating data - such as fuel consumption, position, speed, waste gas temperature, load and rpm - are all transferred to the shipping company's control centre online. The ships' hulls are reinforced with enhanced collision protection - what is known as a Schelde lining.

Technical specifications of the two new vessels have been provided below.

-Length: 110 metres.
-Width: 11.45 metres.
-Cargo tanks: 6.
-Total volume of the cargo tanks: approximately 2,850 cubic metres.
-Discharging pumps: 6 deep well pumps with a total discharging rate of 350 cubic metres per hour.