Christening of the hybrid barge Mannheim I+II: Rhenus and Contargo present pioneering pro-pulsion technology and remote steering for inland waterway transport

• Ceremonial christening of the innovative hybrid push barge combination ”Mannheim I+II” in Duisburg: Rhenus and Contargo present the first vessel in a new series featuring a future-oriented drive system for the Rhine. 

• The hybrid drive combines modern diesel engines with a powerful battery system and is prepared for the future use of hydrogen.  

• Presentation of remote steering technology as part of the ”FernBin” research project and outlook on the further development of semi-autonomous barge shipping.  

On 24 September, the Rhenus Group and Contargo celebrated the christening of the Mannheim I+II hybrid push barge combination in the Port of Duisburg. The vessel is the first in an innovative series that sets new standards for sustainable freight transport on the Rhine. With a future-oriented drive system and the introduction of modern remote steering technology, the project partners are taking an important step towards climate-friendly and automated inland waterway transport. 

Future-proof technology: the hybrid drive of Mannheim I+II 

The 193-metre-long hybrid push barge combination Mannheim I+II 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 drive units supply two synchronous electric motors, each with an output of 960 kW, which are directly connected to the propeller shaft and enable low-noise operation. Moreover, operating with battery, diesel and hydrogen can achieve a reduction in CO2 and NOx emissions of up to 72 percent. The use of HVO100 increases the reduction to 90 percent. 

The innovative design and propulsion technology with a flex-tunnel propeller allow the ship to navigate even in low water up to a draught of 1.20 metres and are specially designed for use on the Rhine between the ARA ports and Wörth on the Upper Rhine. The flex-tunnel technology enables more precise manoeuvring and a flatter positioning of the propeller in the water. “It is precisely the combination of various forward-looking technologies that makes the Mannheim unique and Rhenus a pacesetter for technical innovations in inland waterway transport,” commented Herbert Berger, Managing Director of Rhenus Ship Management. 

Remote steering as the key to digital transformation 

During the christening ceremony, Rhenus also presented the remote steering technology that will be used in the new vessel series in future. The inland vessel Ernst Kramer, which has already been converted and retrofitted with the relevant technology, and the control station from the “FernBin” research project were showcased to the public. The technology enables remote steering of the vessel and provides real-time data on emissions, engine performance and fuel consumption. Following the presentation, the control station will be permanently installed in the Rhenus offices in Duisburg, with the next phase of the "FernBin" project set to start as early as 2026.  

Ceremonial launch for the future of inland waterway transport 

The christening was traditionally performed by 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 inland waterway transport. With this project, we are demonstrating how innovative technology and environmental responsibility can work together,” said Andreas Stöckli, member of the Rhenus Group management board, in his speech. 

Michael de Reese, Division Head of Rhenus Port Logistics, added: “The future of freight transport can only be secured with inland waterway transport as an indispensable transport mode. Through investment in future technology, digitalisation, decarbonisation and the necessary infrastructure, it will be a key factor in the implementation of European energy and transport transition goals.” 

As project partner and charterer of the hybrid barge, Contargo CEO Jürgen Albersmann emphasised: “The Mannheim fits perfectly into our comprehensive transformation and decarbonisation strategy for trimodal container transport and closes the gap in multimodal and emission-optimised transport within the Rhine region.”