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Blue Marlin sets new benchmark for sustainable inland waterway shipping

A ground-breaking chapter in sustainable shipping began as HGK Shipping unveiled its latest vessel, the Blue Marlin, at a naming ceremony in Hamburg. Designed for Salzgitter AG, the dry goods ship integrates cutting-edge technology aimed at reducing emissions and boosting efficiency in inland waterway transport.

At 86 meters long and just 1.10 meters draught, the Blue Marlin is ideal for navigating shallow canals across north-west Germany.

It features a powerful diesel-electric hybrid drive system, capable of running on future fuels, and is equipped with SEAFAR technology for remote-controlled navigation. A solar module system, generating up to 37,500 kWh annually, further supports emission-free operation and can directly power the propulsion system.

Julia Siemens-Pecher of Peiner Träger officially named the vessel, which will primarily transport steel and bulk materials. HGK Shipping Managing Director Florian Bleikamp hailed the vessel as “a strong symbol of what industry and logistics can achieve together,” emphasising its role in pioneering resource-saving technologies.

Salzgitter’s Fabian Gerdes praised the ship’s potential to significantly cut CO₂ emissions and strengthen supply chain resilience. The vessel already holds a “Gold” Green Award for its eco-conscious design.

The hull was built at Orsova shipyard in Romania, with final outfitting by De Gerlien van Tiem B.V. in the Netherlands. Following successful trials, Germany’s Waterways and Shipping Authority has cleared the Blue Marlin for remote-controlled operation between Salzgitter and Friedrichsfeld.