Rhenus PartnerShip is investing in inland shipping
New-ordered vessels coupled with barges allow inland shipping with low water level (Source: Rhenus Group)
German logistics group Rhenus has placed an order with Dutch yard Den Breejen for two inland waterways push barge units. The units comprise one pushing vessels and up to three barges called the Rhenus Mannheim I+II and Rhenus Wörth I+II. Precise contract value was not given but said to be in the double-digit million euros.
The new, low-emission vessels are due to be completed in September 2023 and the first trials should take place in the following month. The vessels’ formations aim to be highly stable and enable operators to carry a flexible load. Thanks to the floating position based on the distribution of weight and a new kind of propulsion concept, the vessels can be operated even if water is only 1.2m deep. Rhenus is also saving significant amounts of weight through the new design of the vessels: the weight of the hull for the motorised vessel has been reduced to 510 tonnes, while the barges weigh just 390 tonnes.
The first vessel, the Rhenus Mannheim I+II, has a new drive concept consisting of a fuel cell using hydrogen, a scalable and long-lasting lithium-ion battery and generators. An electric motor drives the propellor shaft. The vessel can also be operated by remote control. The Rhenus Wörth I+II relies on a hybrid drive system consisting of batteries and stage V motors. The vessel can be converted to operate on fuel cells.
Rhenus said it is completing the major project in its shipping line of business without the need for any state funding.
