Rhenus Maritime Services (RMS) is expanding its fleet with the addition of a new coastal vessel named RMS Ruhrort, featuring a distinctive capability. The vessel is equipped with an engine designed to use methanol as fuel in the future, positioning methanol as a promising and eco-friendly option for the maritime industry alongside hydrogen and ammonia.
Originally acquired by Rhenus as an unfinished shell construction from a Romanian shipyard, the vessel was transferred to a Turkish shipyard for completion, managed by the general agent Handelskade Shipsales BV from Dordrecht. To enhance ecological friendliness, the RMS Ruhrort incorporates a propeller nozzle and special paint to minimize resistance during movement, thereby saving fuel and significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Environmentally-conscious features include an SCR catalytic converter to mitigate nitrogen emissions and a ballast water processing system to protect marine ecosystems from contaminating organisms. The vessel also adheres to the stringent requirements of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), reflecting specific CO2 emissions for cargo vessels.
Upon completion, the RMS Ruhrort, with a payload capacity of 2,950 DWAT, will be ready for global deployment. Its compact design allows for versatile use in niche market shipping, such as operations on the river Rhine. However, before entering service, sea trials in mid-October will rigorously test the vessel’s seaworthiness and secure certifications for sea journeys. The vessel will be dedicated to transporting dry goods like steel coils or wheat.
Image source: https://www.rhenus.group/nl/en/news-media/detail/methanol-ready-rhenus-maritime-services-equips-a-coastal-vessel-for-the-future/