HGK (Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln) is introducing a groundbreaking design for a sea-river coaster named ‘Vanguard,’ which they believe will fill a crucial gap in the evolving energy sector. This new vessel merges the features of an inland barge with the capabilities necessary for coastal and ocean voyages. Steffen Bauer, CEO of HGK Shipping, emphasizes the importance of this innovation, stating, “The ongoing decarbonization of production processes is altering the flow of goods.” The Vanguard is specifically engineered to support the growing demand for transporting liquefied CO2 and ammonia in a sustainable manner. The vessel is designed to operate both on inland waterways and in open seas, extending from Scandinavia to the Iberian Peninsula. With dimensions of 410 feet (125 meters) in length and 57 feet (17.5 meters) in width, the Vanguard will be the largest vessel of its kind. It will feature advanced tanks for carrying liquefied CO2 under pressure and cold liquefied ammonia. This design eliminates the need to transfer cargo between different transportation modes, thereby streamlining the supply chain. The Vanguard will facilitate the direct transport of liquefied CO2 from emission sources to offshore storage sites, enhancing efficiency in carbon capture and storage. Additionally, it will enable the transport of ammonia from production facilities in the Iberian Peninsula to users across Northern Europe, Germany, and Scandinavia, thereby supporting the distribution of these essential materials in the new energy economy.