Becker has announced the keel laying of the world's first LNG Hybrid Barge in Komárno, Slovakia.
The hybrid barge program began in 2012, when Becker Marine Systems and AIDA Cruises collaborated to supply environmentally friendly electricity to cruise ships during layovers at port.
The barge currently under construction is equipped with five generators from Zeppelin Power Systems. These produce a total power of 7.5MW with zero emissions of sulphur oxides and particulates.
According to Becker, the generators will be the first marine classified LNG Caterpillar engines to be delivered to customers.
The LNG hybrid barge will be delivered in mid-2014 and will measure 74 metres in length, with a breadth of 11.4 metres and a draught of 1.7 metres.
Stationed in Hamburg, the Port of Hamburg will be the first one in Europe to be offering an external low-emission power supply for cruise ships.
In addition, the LNG Hybrid Barge is equipped in such a way that other potential customers can be supplied with heat and electricity in the winter, thus further improving the barge's "ecological footprint".
