American commodities giant Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) has signed a pioneering charter agreement to use a very low-emissions ship in European waters, predominantly along the Rhine.
Germany’s HGK Dry Shipping is constructing a bulk carrier to operate in shallow waters with a diesel-electric propulsion system and solar panels.
Thanks to its diesel-electric drive system, the new dry cargo inland waterway vessel can save around 30% in CO2 emissions, the shipowner claims, while the solar panels, which are attached to hatchways, generate up to 90 MWh of electricity and can reduce CO2 emissions by as much as an extra 70 tonnes per year. This ship is also designed to be future fuel-ready.
“Our commitment to charter the new diesel-electric vessel on a long-term basis after construction is another important step by ADM towards a more sustainable future,” said Nick Smith, vice president EMEA refined oils and biodiesel at ADM.
