The Rhenus Group and Contargo celebrated the inauguration of the Mannheim I+II hybrid push barge combination in the Port of Duisburg. The vessel is the first of an innovative series that sets new standards for sustainable freight transport on the Rhine, with a state-of-the-art propulsion system and the introduction of modern remote control technology with which the project partners are taking a major step towards automated and environmentally friendly river transport.
The 193-meter-long Mannheim I+II hybrid push barge combination combines five powerful Euro 6 diesel engines, powered by the synthetic fuel HVO100, with a self-charging battery system with a capacity of 840 kWh and, in the future, two hydrogen fuel cells.
The flexibly combinable and interchangeable propulsion units power two synchronous electric motors, each with an output of 960 kW, connected directly to the propeller shaft and enabling quiet operation. Furthermore, operation with battery, diesel and hydrogen allows for a reduction in CO2 and NOx emissions of up to 72%. The use of HVO100 increases this reduction to 90%.
The innovative design and the propulsion technology with a flexible tunnel propeller allow the vessel to sail even in low waters with a draft of up to 1.20 meters and are specially designed for use on the Rhine, between the ARA ports and Wörth, on the Upper Rhine. The flexible tunnel technology allows for more precise maneuvers and a flatter positioning of the propeller in the water.
“It is precisely the combination of various state-of-the-art technologies that makes the Mannheim unique and makes Rhenus a benchmark for technical innovations in river transport,” commented Herbert Berger, Managing Director of Rhenus Ship Management.
During the inauguration ceremony, Rhenus also presented the remote control technology that will be used in the new series of vessels in the future. The inland vessel Ernst Kramer, already converted and equipped with the relevant technology, and the control station of the FernBin research project were shown to the public. This technology allows for the remote control of the vessel and provides real-time data on emissions, engine performance and fuel consumption.
After the presentation, the control station will be permanently installed in the Rhenus offices in Duisburg, and the next phase of the FernBin project will begin in 2026.
The christening was officiated by the godmother, Irmgard Rethmann, representing the owner family, and the new vessel was blessed by the ship’s chaplain, Frank Wessel.
“The Mannheim I+II is more than just a ship, it is a symbol of change in river transport. With this project, we demonstrate how innovative technology and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand,” stated Andreas Stöckli, Member of the Board of the Rhenus Group.
Michael de Reese, Head of the Port Logistics Division of Rhenus, added that “the future of freight transport can only be secured with inland shipping as an indispensable mode of transport. Through investment in state-of-the-art technology, digitalization, decarbonization and the necessary infrastructure, it will be a key factor in the implementation of European energy and transport transition goals.”
“The Mannheim fits perfectly into our comprehensive strategy for the transformation and decarbonization of trimodal container transport and closes the gap in multimodal and emission-optimized transport within the Rhine region,” emphasized Contargo Managing Director Jürgen Albersmann, as project partner and charterer of the hybrid barge.
