LNG Bunker Barge United LNG I Christened in Antwerp, Set for Service in 2026

Key facts

• LNG bunker barge christened at the Port of Antwerp
• Designed for inland waterways and coastal operations up to Zeebrugge
• Eight Type C LNG tanks with total capacity of 8,000 cubic metres
• Entry into service planned for early 2026

Overview
The LNG bunker barge United LNG I has been officially christened at the Port of Antwerp. The vessel has been developed for shipping company Somtrans, with RensenDriessen acting as main shipbuilding contractor and TeamCo Shipyard and Gas & Heat responsible for outfitting and tank supply. The barge is scheduled to enter operational service in early 2026, supporting LNG bunkering activities in Belgian and Dutch seaports.

Vessel design and specifications
United LNG I is an estuary-class LNG bunker barge designed for operation on inland waterways as well as coastal routes extending to Zeebrugge. The vessel measures 135 metres in length and 21.46 metres in breadth.

The barge is equipped with eight cylindrical Type C cargo tanks, each with a capacity of 1,000 cubic metres. The tanks are designed to store liquefied natural gas at –165°C and form a central element of the vessel’s technical configuration.

Construction and outfitting process
Hull construction was completed in China before the vessel was transported to the Netherlands. LNG tanks supplied by Gas & Heat in Italy were installed in Rotterdam. Final outfitting and system integration were carried out at TeamCo Shipyard.

RensenDriessen served as the main contractor, overseeing coordination from hull construction through to final delivery. TeamCo Shipyard was responsible for tank integration, engineering activities and yard execution during the final build phase.

Owner perspective and LNG strategy
For Somtrans, the christening marks an expansion into LNG bunkering as part of its broader fleet development strategy.

“We aim for depth. For vessels and technologies that anticipate the next chapter of sustainable shipping. LNG bunkering is a deliberate step in that direction. We choose solutions that matter over the long term, focusing on cleaner fuels and the vessels that support them. This project strengthens our role in the maritime energy transition,” said Caroline Somers, CEO of Somtrans.

Somtrans currently operates a fleet of 39 vessels. The United LNG I represents the company’s first LNG bunker barge, with a second sister vessel planned to further increase LNG bunkering capacity in Northwest Europe.

Market context
Demand for LNG bunkering services in the region continues to grow, driven by the increasing number of LNG- and dual-fuel vessels entering service across container, tanker, bulk, RoRo and cruise segments. Fleet growth of LNG-fuelled vessels has remained strong in recent years as operators seek alternative fuels and compliance options.

Shortsea shipping and collaboration model
RensenDriessen highlighted the project’s relevance for the shortsea shipping sector.

“By combining efficient hull construction in China with local outfitting in Western Europe, we are now offering our hull building expertise more widely to the shortsea shipping segment. These cylindrical LNG tanks take this project into new territory. Integrating them at this scale is unique. It shows what is possible when a shipowner, contractor and yard work as one team,” said Wim Driessen, Managing Director of RensenDriessen.

Somtrans and RensenDriessen have collaborated for more than two decades on vessel designs incorporating advanced propulsion systems, optimised hull forms and specialised tank solutions.

Final outfitting and next steps
The final construction stage was completed at TeamCo Shipyard, where LNG systems, bunkering equipment and operational systems were installed.

“This was not a standard build. The LNG systems, the tank integration, the bunkering equipment, all demanded precision. It is a project that strengthens our position in LNG and shows what our yard is capable of when it comes to delivering future-proof vessels. We look forward to outfitting the sister vessel United LNG II from March 2026 onward,” said Marcel Zweers, Managing Director of TeamCo Shipyard.