The port of Antwerp was the scene of the official christening of the United LNG I, the new estuary-class LNG barge developed by Somtrans. This project marks a breakthrough in alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure in Western Europe.
LNG supply strategy by Somtrans
With a length of 135 meters and eight cylindrical tanks of 1000 m³, the vessel is designed to operate on inland waterways and coastal routes, comprising a route between the ports of Belgium and the Netherlands. The specialized design includes Type C cryogenic tanks with capabilities to hold LNG at -165 °C, representing a technical milestone in efficiency and safety.
The hull of the United LNG I was built in China, while the outfitting was carried out in several stages in Western Europe. RensenDriessen, as general contractor, coordinated every phase of the project, from initial structure to final delivery. The tanks were manufactured by Gas & Heat in Italy and subsequently installed in Rotterdam. Final integration was carried out at TeamCo Shipyard in the Netherlands.
For Somtrans, this unit represents a clear step towards a cleaner transport model: “We are committed to solutions that matter in the long term,” said CEO Caroline Somers. The company, with a fleet of 39 vessels, thus strengthens its commitment to the early adoption of sustainable fuels.
United LNG I improves regional LNG logistics, and anticipates sustained growth in the use of liquefied natural gas in sectors such as container shipping, RoRo vessels and cruise ships, especially in northwest Europe.
Wim Driessen, CEO of RensenDriessen, mentioned the value of this cooperation for the development of efficient regional transportation. “We are expanding our shipbuilding expertise to serve the short-sea market with proven and scalable solutions.”
For his part, Marcel Zweers of TeamCo Shipyard highlighted the complexity of integrating LNG systems on such a vessel. The second sister unit, United LNG II, is on schedule to be outfitted from March 2026.
Source and photo: Somtrans