German wagon leasing firm VTG and Chart Ferox have unveiled the first purpose-built tank wagon, which is designed to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Natural gas distribution system supplier Chart Ferox had partnered with VTG to design the tank wagon, which allows safe transport of LNG by rail.
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According to the company, the new tank wagon makes it possible to supply Europe with the natural gas in future using environmentally friendly rail transport regardless of the presence of pipelines.
VTG CEO Dr Heiko Fischer said: "Three years from the project launch, the wagon has finally taken on physical form and can be touched and tested by customers and any other interested parties."
Chart chairman of the Distribution & Storage Group Thomas Carey said: "We are expanding and strengthening the Chart product portfolio with this new mode of transport."
VTG has developed and built two prototypes for transporting LNG by rail while Chart Ferox was responsible for providing the design.
The wagon tank is equipped with special insulation, which allows the cryogenic (-162°C) LNG to remain in the tank wagon for up to six weeks.
Tthe wagon is currently ready to carry its first payload, as it had already secured operational authorisation from the German Federal Railway Authority.
