Kotug and Becker to develop floating LNG power plant

Kotug and Becker Marine Systems want to build an LNG Hybrid Barge that will supply environmentally friendly energy to, among other things, cruise ships berthed in the port of Rotterdam. The floating LNG power station will not only be able to provide clean power to cruise ships, but also energy and heat to vessels, factories or district heating networks. Kotug and Becker Marine Systems have signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of the barge.

The LNG Hybrid Barge is an alternative to producing energy with the aid of generators or keeping the ship’s engines running when in port. The barge will be fitted with an installation that uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) to generate energy. When burned, LNG produces no sulphur emissions and far less fine dust, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, in comparison with traditional fuels.

According to the agreements made, Becker Marine Systems will own the barge. Kotug will be responsible for transporting the floating power plant, as well as for the commercial, technical and operational support. If all goes according to plan, the vessel will be introduced in the port of Rotterdam in June 2017.

The introduction of LNG as fuel for the shipping industry is a prime focus for the Port of Rotterdam Authority. On the Maasvlakte, Gate is busy developing a breakbulk facility for LNG alongside the existing LNG import terminal. From mid-2016 onwards, ships will be able to bunker here.

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