zoomFrom left to right: Ard-Jan Kooren (KOTUG), Dirk Lehmann (Becker Marine Systems) and Arjan Stavast (Shell Downstream LNG)

Becker Marine Systems and Dutch towage company KOTUG signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a LNG Hybrid Barge in the Port of Rotterdam with effect from June 2017.

The LNG Hybrid Barge, a floating energy plant, is designed to provide environmentally friendly power for ships in ports. Under the deal, the LNG Hybrid Barge will deliver clean energy to moored cruise ships, traditionally key clients of KOTUG.

KOTUG will move the LNG Hybrid Barge and will provide commercial, technical and operational management of the LNG Hybrid Barge.

During winter season the LNG Hybrid Barge will be able to deliver heat to factories or to the central city heating system in addition to electricity.

Becker Marine Systems (BMS) is the owner of the LNG Hybrid Barge and provides services to charter out the barge. The LNG Hybrid Barge concept is developed 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.”

“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,” comments Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO of KOTUG.

This new, innovative concept, has also drawn significant attention from key players in the LNG market, like Cruiseport Rotterdam, Dutch National LNG Platform and Shell.

“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 (cruise) ships, factories and cities, while not having to invest heavily in additional electricity infrastructure,” said Arjan Stavast, Shell’s Downstream LNG Business Development Manager for Europe.