DUAL-FUEL PLAN FOR UKRAINE RIVER FLEET

A letter of intent signed by the Ghent-based company and PJSC Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company (UDP) provides for the modernisation of up to 33 river pushers, using what are described as ABC ‘hybrid’ engines. The latter would be from the company’s portfolio of four-strokes capable of operation on both diesel and non-conventional fuels such as methanol and hydrogen.

The foreseen conversions of the UDP pushboats would achieve compliance with the Euro Stage V exhaust emission standard.

The estimated budget for the project is EUR90 million (US$107.8m). The equipment and wider technology input from ABC would prolong the life of long-serving UDP fleet assets and enable the Ukrainian enterprise to expand its business operations to the upper Danube and potentially to the Rhine.

The various classes of pusher deployed by UDP, covering types of 33m-57m length, with main power typically in the 1,500-2,500kW range, are already physically suited to trade throughout the Danube, from the Black Sea delta to Kelheim in Bavaria, at the confluence with the River Altmuehl, connecting to the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal.

UDP is looking to assign the work of re-engining the craft to its in-house Kiliya Shipbuilding & Repair Yard. Located on a north channel of the Danube delta, 47km inland from the Black Sea, the Kiliya yard would be assisted in the programme by engineering specialists from ABC.

In seeking to transform the letter of intent into a firm contract, UDP and ABC are exploring possible financing scenarios. This could include application for funding or grant assistance from the EU or European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The agreement follows the approval of a Dnipro Transportation investment project by Ukraine’s Ministry of Transportation in late March 2021. The project is intended to revive riverine transportation along the Dnipro River. According to UDP, the project envisages the construction of 16 pushboats with hybrid diesel engines, along with a further 31 Europa-2 class barges, as well as investment in maintenance facilities along the river.

Despite the Corona-19 pandemic, ABC has maintained a good flow of new engine orders across its diversified marine, rail and industrial markets and has augmented its offering by launching a hydrogen-ingesting dual-fuel medium-speed series. The development has been nurtured through the BeHydro joint venture with Antwerp shipowning organisation Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB).

The first BeHydro contract entails the revolutionary HydroTug newbuild expected to be ready for service in Antwerp port next year.