Imperial Christens Two Gas Tankers built by VEKA Shipyard Lemmer

In the presence of about 100 guests, Imperial Logistics International christened two new gas tankers in Duisburg on September 14th 2017. “Imperial Gas 92” and “Imperial Gas 93” (each 110 meters long and 11.45 meters wide) will be used for transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and pressurized gaseous products among other things.

The total capacity for gas products is 2856 cubic meters in each case. Each tanker has six load tanks. The new units will replace two older gas tankers from the fleet that will now be decommissioned. The new units will be deployed by Imperial Gas Barging GmbH, which currently operates 17 gas tankers.

Anke Bestmann, Managing Director of Imperial Gas Barging GmbH, says: “The two new units will set new standards in terms of energy efficiency and load carrying capacity. When in operation, the new gas tankers will consume significantly less fuel than their predecessors.” This is made possible by Veth’s innovative dual Z-Drive rudder propeller, where the rudders and propellers form a single unit.

Compared to older drive systems, this system requires less fuel and maintenance. Operating data from the main engines, such as fuel consumption, position, speed, exhaust temperature, load and speed, will be sent online to the shipping company’s control center. The ships’ hulls are reinforced with increased protection against collision in the cargo areas, so-called “Schelde skin reinforcement.” Sanitary wastewater will be purified in an on-board sewage treatment plant.

Both godmothers were representatives of customers of Imperial Gas Barging GmbH. Barbara Hoyer, the godmother of Imperial Gas 92, is Vice President of Regional Supply Chain Services Europe at BASF SE, and Dr. Ir. Els Engelbert van Bevervoorde-Meilof, godmother of Imperial Gas 93, is the wife of Ben D. Engelbert van Bevervoorde, Senior Manager Sourcing & Contracting at SABIC Europe.