Somtrans' new LNG bunker barge is set to support LNG bunkering demand in Belgian and Dutch seaports. Pictured: The United LNG I vessel, an 8,000-cbm LNG bunker barge. Image credit: RensenDriessen

---

Somtrans has christened its new LNG bunker barge United LNG I in the port of Antwerp, with the vessel set to enter service in early 2026.

The estuary-class barge is designed for inland waterways and coastal operations up to Zeebrugge, supporting LNG bunkering demand in Belgian and Dutch seaports. The vessel measures 135 by 21.46 meters and carries eight cylindrical Type C cargo tanks of 1,000 cbm each, designed to store LNG at –165 degrees Celsius, providing a total capacity of 8,000 cbm.

The project was coordinated by shipbuilding contractor RensenDriessen, with hull construction in China, LNG tanks supplied by Gas & Heat in Italy, and final outfitting at TeamCo Shipyard in the Netherlands.

Caroline Somers, CEO of Somtrans, commented: "We aim for depth. For vessels and technologies that anticipate the next chapter of sustainable shipping. LNG bunkering is a deliberate step in that direction. We choose solutions that matter over the long term, focusing on cleaner fuels and the vessels that support them. This project strengthens our role in the maritime energy transition."

Somtrans operates a fleet of 39 vessels and is based in Antwerp. The company says a second sister vessel will follow, expanding its LNG bunkering capacity in the region.

Wim Driessen, managing director of RensenDriessen, stated: "By combining efficient hull construction in China with local outfitting in Western Europe, we are now offering our hull building expertise more widely to the shortsea shipping segment. These cylindrical LNG tanks take this project into new territory. Integrating them at this scale is unique. It shows what is possible when a shipowner, contractor, and yard work as one team."

RensenDriessen has worked with Somtrans for more than 20 years, delivering vessels with advanced propulsion and tank solutions.

TeamCo Shipyard completed the final phase of the build, preparing the vessel for operation. Marcel Zweers, managing director, remarked: "This was not a standard build. The LNG systems, the tank integration, the bunkering equipment, all demanded precision. It is a project that strengthens our position in LNG and shows what our yard is capable of when it comes to delivering future-proof vessels. We look forward to outfitting the sister vessel United LNG II from March 2026 onward."

The vessel is classed by Lloyd's Register as an inland waterway tanker Type G with estuary service notation for significant wave height of 2.00 meters. It features two azimuth thrusters of 1,305 kW each, two four-way channel bow thrusters of 550 kW each, and four gas generators of 525 kW each for main electrical power generation. The cargo handling system includes an LNG bunker arm with a capacity of 920 cbm per hour, eight cargo pumps of 165 cbm per hour each, and a gas combustion unit of 8,000 kW.