Romania: Orsova Shipyard, Lehnkering Name Two New Gas Tankers

Lehnkering has held a naming ceremony for two newly constructed gas tankers. In addition to LRG GAS 88, which has been operating since August 2011, the sister vessel LRG GAS 89, which has exactly the same design, will now complement the gas tanker fleet operated by the Lehnkering Reederei. Dr. Angela Stieglitz performed the naming ceremony for 88 and Odette Claus for 89.

The launch of operations with the sister vessels LRG GAS 88 and 89, both of which have exactly the same design, reflects the LEHNKERING corporate strategy of continually rejuvenating its gas tanker fleet.

“The two new gas tankers are able to transport a wide range of products as a result of their modern design and therefore meet the needs of the market, which is looking for flexible transport solutions,” says Robert Baack, COO of the LEHNKERING Shipping Logistics & Services division. “The shipment of gases on inland waterway vessels is a very efficient and environmentally-friendly means of transport, which will continue to have good market prospects in the future too.”

Gas shipping operations on or near the river Rhine, where LEHNKERING is one of the market leaders, are growing steadily. LRG GAS 88 and LRG GAS 89 are being used precisely in this area. LEHNKERING has been using LRG GAS 88 for the forward-looking business of transporting propylene and propane gas since the vessel was commissioned for service.

The sister vessels LRG GAS 88 and LRG GAS 89 both have four individual tanks each with a capacity for 584 m3 – therefore being able to each hold greater volumes than tanks of other gas vessels. To achieve this, the hull has had to be equipped with increased collision protection and this is provided by a special technical design – what is known as a Schelde lining.

The hulls of the vessels, which are both 95 metres long and 11.45 metres wide, were built at the Orsova Shipyard in Romania. TeamCo Shipyard BV in the Netherlands handled the superstructure work; it has already completed several other orders for the logistics services provider based in Duisburg on account of its expertise. The gas tankers are each powered by two engines rated at 634 kW or 860 HP with low fuel consumption. The two vessels are able to operate on canals and are therefore suitable for use on secondary inland waterways too – i.e. they can operate in the complete Rhine area with its tributaries.

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Source: lehnkering, October 26, 2011