The “GAS 95” from HGK Operates Emission-Low on the Rhine

Since February 8, 2024, the “GAS 95” has been operating on the Rhine, featuring another innovative ship design from the experts at the HGK Shipping Design Center: Emission-low through diesel-electric propulsion, forward-looking with a “Future-Fuel-Ready” structure, and reliable even in dry periods due to consistent draft optimization, the gas tanker underscores the company’s innovative strength.

(Köln/Duisburg) This is already the second gas tanker of this type that HGK Gas Shipping GmbH has put into operation. As one of the most modern ships on the waterways, it contributes to the sustainable development of inland shipping. In HGK red and for the first time also with a bright green, the “GAS 95” will now be traveling on the Rhine. With the new paint job, the sustainable approach of the ship’s design is recognizable from afar, further highlighted by the inscription “Driving Sustainability” on the port and starboard sides.

Based on the new builds already put into service and designed by HGK Shipping in recent months and the experiences gained from them, the “GAS 95” also features a diesel-electric propulsion system. The decision was particularly influenced by the good performance of the “GAS 94”, which has been strengthening the company’s gas fleet for over two years. The diesel-electric propulsion system reduces the CO_2-emissions of the gas tanker by up to 30 percent per ton-kilometer compared to benchmarks in inland shipping. Additionally, emissions of fine dust and other pollutants are significantly reduced. The installed power management system has been further refined and thus additionally lowers fuel consumption. Like other new builds from the HGK Shipping Design Center, the “GAS 95” is already prepared for future technological developments and can be described as “Future-Fuel-Ready”.

Flexible Application Possibilities

At the same time, the ship is characterized by its extremely flexible application possibilities. The “GAS 95” is the first gas tanker that impresses with extreme draft optimization in the standard dimensions of 110 meters in length and 11.45 meters in width, while still being suitable for canals. Continuous cargo transport on the Rhine is thus ensured even during pronounced low water phases. With a maximum loading capacity of more than 2,300 cubic meters, the ship can transport more than 300 tons even with a draft of 1.30 meters, thus still passing known bottlenecks like Kaub or Oestrich even at very critical water levels. The minimum navigable draft is even lower and unique for the ship’s specification. The new gas tanker will be deployed between the ARA ports and various stations on the Rhine.

“The ‘GAS 95’ thus meets the highest environmental and safety standards. This allows us to provide our customers with the next building block for a more sustainable and reliable supply chain via the waterways,” says Anke Bestmann, Managing Director of HGK Gas Shipping GmbH. “We are committed to continuously improving and sustainably expanding our gas fleet. We have already certified some ships as proof of our efforts with the Green Award to promote cleaner and safer inland shipping. We also plan to do this for the ‘GAS 95’ in the coming months.”

Next Diesel-Electric Ship Already Ordered

HGK Gas Shipping regularly scores points in the rating of the independent and internationally recognized CSR rating agency EcoVadis with its continuous efforts in the field of sustainability. In 2023, it achieved Gold status, missing Platinum by just two points. The next low-water optimized diesel-electric new build for the gas fleet has already been commissioned with the “GAS 96”. Further ships are also in planning.

Photo: © HGK