The barges will be operated by the VT Group/Marlow.
The vessels will have LNG propulsion and extreme shallow draught capabilities – 2,800 tonnes on 3.25 metre draught – to maximise cargo carrying capacity on Dutch, Belgian and German canal and river networks.
VT Group specialises in inland shipping, transporting minerals, chemical products, biofuels and lubricants. The Parsifal tankers will transport mineral oils between Antwerp, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Rhine network.
Concordia Damen will begin building the tank barges in December this year, with planned delivery of the first vessel in November 2021. After that, the yard will deliver another vessel each month, completing the order by December 2024.
Chris Kornet ceo of Concordia Damen said, “We are very grateful to have received this order and are looking forward to beginning the work. This is yet again a validation of our efforts towards greater levels of sustainability in the inland shipping sector.”
Andy Dacy, global head of transportation at JP Morgan Asset Management, said: “We are excited and honored to partner with Shell and Concordia Damen on this innovative and sustainable inland waterway project.”
