Interstream Barging News

Alewijnse Marine Systems celebrated their involvement in the success of the award-winning 'LNG Greenstream' waterway tankship at the recent 16th KNVTS Maritime Awards Gala held in The Netherlands. Alewijnse say that the 110m 'Greenstream' is the first commercial inland vessel to use LNG‐electric propulsion. The vessel was built by Peters Shipyards, Kampen, and Alewijnse was responsible for the entire electrical installation on board, including the systems that control and regulate the LNG‐fuelled generators.

Dutch-based Peters Shipyards introduces revolutionary Inland Shipping concept. Planned, developed and built by Dutch Peters Shipyards, located in Kampen, a unique inland tanker is now the world’s first river vessel driven by combustion engines consuming purely natural gas. In April, the innovative new vessel was handed over to its time charterer, Shell Netherlands, who will operate the “MTS Greenstream,” via Interstream Barging, between the Netherlands and Germany; primarily on the river Rhine.

The 'LNG Greenrhine'' has been christened by Mrs. Edwige Belliard, president of Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR). The LNG Greenrhine is an electrically powered ship with diesel generators fuelled by LNG (Liquid Natural Gas). The use of LNG, compared to the traditional diesel oil, reduces emissions of CO2 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by more than 25% and 80% respectively. Moreover, no sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particles are released. Due to the configuration of four engines…

Emissions regulations from 2015 onwards are driving shipowners to a crossroads on fuel selection. Ahead of Europort 2013, Rotterdam, Dutch interests are making significant waves in tangible investments in LNG as a fuel option. While there is not consensus on the potential of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, the concept is gaining traction rapidly as using LNG reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from ships, as well as allowing operators to meet restrictions set in Sulfur Emission Control Areas (SECAs) today, which tighten from 2015 onwards.