Chemgas Shipping has recently focused its sights on innovation and creativity. With a desire to impact prominently on the build process of its new ships, the company invested heavily into a New Building Programme.
“The reason we have created the New Building Department is partly due to the specialised nature of the gas shipping trade,” Manager of New Building and Projects Taco Terpstra said. “Diversifying
into this side of the business allows us to keep our knowledge within the company and gives us an opportunity to implement this expertise into our ships.
“Our cargo handling systems are also unique to us and by providing this in-house department we can ensure our products retain Chemgas’ standard of excellence.”
From the get-go Chemgas innovated the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Formed from a joint venture between
Van Ommeren and Vulcaan, Chemgas was established in 1965 as a specialist in the shipping of LPG along inland waterways.
With a history of firsts in the industry (including being the first tanker company to operate vessels with larger cargo tanks), Chemgas has created a reputation of reliability and upstanding values that are renowned across the globe.
Developments on deck
Chemgas is constantly researching new ways to improve its vessels: In 2019, the company invested in three gas tankers that feature Van der Velden FLEX Tunnels. This installation ensures propellers are performing at peak capacity regardless of the depth of the ship’s draught. Gas tankers are typically heavier than other vessels and, therefore, require larger propellors. Due to this increase in size, the tankers need higher water levels to maintain optimal performance. With the retractable
FLEX Tunnels in use, Chemgas ensures its tankers continue to sail in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.
The topic of carbon emissions has been in the spotlight at Chemgas. In the next few years, the company is looking to phase out its older generation of inland waterway vessels. This will move the company away from using black fuel. As a result, Chemgas is currently in talks with a ship recycling company to work out the most environmentally and socially responsible way to decommission these ships.
Going forward, all Chemgas vessels will be retrofit-ready when the time comes to transfer over to fully-renewable fuel sources. Until then, the company is working hard to reduce fuel consumption on all vessels and will invest in clean engines.
Chemgas’ headquarters is based in Rotterdam, the maritime capital of The Netherlands, and its technical department is located between the busy ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, making delivery of spare parts and ship maintenance more routine. This quick turn-around helps to minimise the
effects of global supply issues. Another challenge that is affecting the shipping industry is the shortage of qualified personnel:
“During Covid, I think a lot of people went into quiet retirement,” Mr Terpstra said. “Perhaps the understaffing is an even bigger threat to the economy than global supply issues.”
Thankfully, Chemgas has a long-standing relationship with all its employees: a bond that ensured the company did not suffer a loss of staff, or a reduction in chartering capabilities.
This long-standing relationship with our crews is what distinguishes us from our competitors
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Caring for seafaring
90% of the 300 seafarers that charter with Chemgas are permanently employed by the company; on the topic Mr Terpstra explained: “This long-standing relationship with our crews is what distinguishes us from our competitors. These people have strong loyalty to Chemgas. We like to ensure the wellbeing of our employees, and part of that is to ensure they get a good salary package.”
Not only does Chemgas offer a warmhearted approach to all its crews, but the company also supports trainee workers to ensure their passion for sailing continues to thrive.
“What we are doing now,” Mr Terpstra said, “is approaching schools and universities to offer students apprenticeships and internships to introduce them to the industry. Even if they go on to work for one of our competitors, that’s fine; we are more than willing to team up with other companies to be more proactive approaching young people to promote sailing on a ship.”
Over the years, Chemgas has built a remarkable rapport with its suppliers. These relationships formed an organic supply chain that Chemgas is now looking to grow. With the implementation of its New Building Programme, the company is talking to shipyards and other suppliers in the hopes of creating an equal professional stewardship.
“Part of my responsibility as the Manager of New Building and Projects is to expand our network of designers and ship makers,” Mr Terpstra said. “In the past, we had one design office for multiple projects, which could create a bottleneck effect. So, I am working hard to expand that. I am also talking to shipyards, preselecting them based on various criteria including their capabilities, their engineering knowledge and their company culture.”
Cruising ahead
After such immense success, Chemgas’ plans for the future do not disappoint. The company’s main goal will result
in the acquisition of more vessels. Chemgas has purchased four LPG tankers from Gas and Heat in Italy. With two already acquired, and the final two being delivered by January 2023, Chemgas has successfully diversified its capabilities. Previously, the company led the way in fully-pressurised LPG vessels; the acquisition of these four semi-refrigerated ships will expand its product portfolio – to enable shipment of other industrial gases.
Chemgas’ exciting plans do not stop there. “Next year, we are expecting the delivery of a third new build tanker,” Mr Terpstra said, “which is the final ship in a trilogy of new builds that we invested in. Parallel to that, we are already planning our next new build. Despite market circumstances – which look challenging –we have confidence in the future and are supported herein by the vision and longterm commitment of our General Director and Owner Dr Gunther Jaegers.”
T hese LPG tankers comply with the latest emission restrictions and aid the company’s goals of CO2 reduction. The incorporation of this engine type will also make future transition to other renewable fuels smoother for the company.
As part of this investment, Chemgas has been heavily involved in the design and build of these vessels via its New Building Programme. Following the success of these new builds, the company plans to develop this programme further
We plan to continue investing in new ships, especially ones that have more luxurious accommodation for our crew members; their welfare is extremely important to us
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with the building of new inland waterways tankers.
Pushing forward, Chemgas aims to continue its path as a market leader of the shipping industry. “Of course, we would like to retain our market share,” Mr Terpstra concluded. “We plan to continue investing in new ships, especially ones that have more luxurious accommodation for our crew members; their welfare is extremely important to us.
“We wish to diversify into shipping different kinds of products, making us more appealing to our customers. We will also continue to look for appropriate fuel alternatives and approach our clients for their opinions on this. We really believe that renewable energy is the way forward, and we want our clients to know this. Now is the time to act.”
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