Electric tanker and passenger ships sail on the Rhine

Let’s take a look at projects from the Netherlands before we see such innovative vessels on other rivers in the European Union. Concordia Damen delivered the river tanker Mt Generation to VOF Generation. The vessel is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system with Equadrives systems from Verhaar Omega. Power is provided by an EST-Floattech battery pack. The CDS Tanker 110 barge will be used to transport mineral oils between ports on the Rhine.

The entire propulsion system and onboard electrical installation were integrated by EMS. The rationale behind the electric drive was that it ensures quieter and more efficient operation of the propulsion system. The vessel is, of course, quieter and more environmentally friendly.

“We are very pleased with the performance,” said Danny Mourik, co-owner of VOF Generation. He emphasized at the time of taking over the vessel that “the Concordia Damen team listened to our wishes and translated them into concrete solutions. It was important to us that this tanker be a proven model: reliable and efficient.”

Modular River Tanker

The shipowner emphasizes that it was crucial to ensure the target tank capacity within the vessel’s limited draft. “Above all, the fact that we can carry no less than 2,868 tons of cargo at a draft of 3.30 meters was crucial,” Mourik emphasized. Maintaining the target parameters, according to the shipowner, is not only a huge advantage but also “fits perfectly into the business model.” Mourik said: “We have taken this extra step. The result is a ship with which we are fully confident in entering service.”

The CDS Tanker 110 features a modular design that allows for the easy integration of custom solutions—such as alternative, environmentally friendly propulsion systems, various cargo configurations, or other customer requirements—as described by the shipyard.

“We are grateful to Danny Mourik and Sergei Mulder (co-owners of VOF Generation) for the trust they have placed in our shipyard and our trusted equipment supplier CCM3. We wish them, Wim Mourik (co-owner of VOF Generation), and their crew many successful and safe voyages,” said Chris Kornet, Managing Director of Concordia Damen.

Excellence Crown, source: Concordia Damen

Electric Passenger

We have written about Concordia Damen’s innovative ships numerous times on GospodarkaMorska.pl. Concordia Damen recently delivered the modern river cruise ship “Excellence Crown” to the Swiss company Twerenbold Reisen. The ship’s christening took place in Basel in May of this year. It is a CDS River Cruise 135 vessel (135 meters long).

The hybrid propulsion system operates using a peak-shaving system that utilizes a land-based Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The vessel is equipped with solar panels in the railings. The electrical system works with heat recovery systems. The vessel is built to the Green Award Gold standard. Laser-controlled ventilation and eco-friendly materials are used throughout.

There are 73 cabins and 12 suites on board, each with panoramic windows and soundproofing, as well as an atrium, spa, restaurants, and lounges. Crew comfort is provided by a separate aft deck with a mess hall and private cabins. The interior, designed by Nazly Twerenbold, reflects the style of a Swiss “boutique grand hotel.”

Efficient Tanker

The shipyard emphasizes that “the CDS 110 tanker was designed with a focus on efficiency, operational reliability, and sustainability.” The vessel is 110 meters long, 11.45 meters wide, and has a draft of 3.30 meters. In line with the shipowner’s expectations, the vessel offers a payload of 2,868 tons. This is “approximately 200 tons more than comparable vessel types on the market.” This was achieved thanks to its “well-thought-out design.” As a result of these solutions, the MTS Generation river tanker “is not only suitable for operations in shallow waters, but is also environmentally friendly per ton of cargo.”

MTS Gambler, source: Concordia Damen

An even more interesting design is the MTS Gambler, which will be equipped at the Werkendam plant. The CDS Tanker 135 (135 meters long) was designed for the transport of mineral oils. It boasts an impressive cargo capacity of 4,180 m³. Its design is a development of the CDS Tanker 110 series barge.

The shipyard emphasizes that “Thanks to its optimized design, the vessel sails with minimal resistance and has a favorable speed-to-power curve.” The vessel has a standard beam of 11.45 meters. The river tanker barge is powered by two CAT C32 engines (2 x 709 kW), which are fuel-efficient. The shipyard also completed the hydrogen-electric cargo vessel “Antonie” (WEVA) for Lenten Scheepvaart, a Dutch inland navigation operator.