AMS Barging Adds 9,000 m³ Methanol-Ready Tanker Felicitas

AMS Barging has christened its new 9,000 m³ diesel-electric tanker Felicitas in Rotterdam, expanding the Dutch inland shipping company’s fleet to 17 vessels while preparing for growing demand for alternative marine fuels.

The 135-metre tanker was designed by RensenDriessen Shipbuilding and fitted out by Den Breejen Shipyard. Its cargo system comprises 12 tanks, dual piping, two mass flow meters, a nitrogen generator, bunker boom and pumping capacity of 1,800 m³ per hour.

Importantly, Felicitas has been designed to accommodate future modifications for methanol bunkering, allowing AMS Barging to adapt the vessel as the marine fuel market evolves.

“No one knows exactly what the fuel mix will look like in ten years’ time. We see methanol as one of the important alternatives,” said Martin van Veen, Commercial Director at AMS Barging. “That is why we invest in vessels that can operate efficiently today while allowing us to respond to future developments.”

The tanker uses diesel-electric propulsion combined with Z-drives, providing azimuthing propulsion for improved manoeuvrability. Its engines comply with Stage V emissions requirements.

AMS Barging says similar diesel-electric systems in its fleet have previously delivered fuel savings of around 25% compared with conventionally powered vessels.

The company christened sister vessel Fortuna earlier in 2026, with the two newbuilds forming part of a wider fleet expansion strategy focused on higher-capacity and more efficient tanker operations.

Felicitas has already completed its maiden commercial voyage and is now operating on the spot market. Its large cargo capacity allows greater volumes to be moved in a single voyage, potentially reducing vessel movements and improving utilisation of loading and unloading infrastructure.

The christening took place at Noordereiland in Rotterdam, with Liv and Julie, daughters of AMS Barging co-owner Igor Jansen, performing the naming ceremony.