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

The United LNG I, an estuary-class LNG bunker barge, has been officially christened in Antwerp, marking a significant collaboration among shipping company Somtrans, contractor RensenDriessen, and partners TeamCo Shipyard and Gas & Heat. The vessel, designed for both inland and coastal service, measures 135 by 21.46 meters and features eight cylindrical Type C cargo tanks, each with a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters for storing LNG at -165 degrees Celsius.

The hull was constructed in China, with LNG tanks supplied by Gas & Heat in Italy, installed in Rotterdam before final outfitting at TeamCo Shipyard. The barge is set to enter service in early 2026, enhancing LNG bunkering capabilities in Belgian and Dutch ports. Somtrans aims to expand its LNG capacity with a second sister vessel planned, responding to increasing LNG demand in Northwest Europe driven by new dual-fuel vessels across various segments.