GEFO Puts Antonello Tanker Into Rhine Service
The German-flagged stainless steel tanker is the first of six newbuilds joining GEFO's inland fleet in 2026-2027.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Cruises
GEFO Shipping Group has placed the inland tanker Antonello into service on the Rhine River after it completed trials in late October. The vessel is the first of six stainless steel newbuilds scheduled to join GEFO's inland fleet.
Why it matters
The additions expand GEFO's inland capacity on one of Europe's busiest waterways for moving bulk and chemical cargo. The vessel's temperature-controlled capability adds flexibility for shippers handling products that require heating during transport.
The Antonello measures 110 by 11.45 metres and carries 3,040 cubic metres across eight cargo tanks, discharged by eight MarFlex Europe MDPD-80 pumps. Specific routes, first cargoes, and charter arrangements have not been disclosed.
The players
GEFO Shipping Group
GEFO Shipping Group is a German inland shipping operator that owns and runs tankers on European waterways.
RensenDriessen Shipbuilding
RensenDriessen Shipbuilding is a Dutch shipyard that designs and builds inland vessels for European operators.
The details
The Antonello was designed and built by RensenDriessen Shipbuilding in the Netherlands and outfitted by Dolderman. It is propelled by a low-emission, EU Stage V-compliant twin-screw system, and a Heatmaster thermal oil installation with a secondary circuit allows carriage of temperature-controlled products.
Timeline
Late October 2026: The Antonello completed sea trials, which RensenDriessen confirmed.
2026-2027: Six stainless steel newbuilds are scheduled to join GEFO's inland fleet.
Waterway Context
The Rhine is among Europe's most heavily used inland freight routes, linking the Port of Rotterdam with the German industrial heartland. Newbuilds like the Antonello add capacity to a corridor that carries a large share of the continent's river-borne bulk and chemical cargo.
Shippers relying on Rhine freight may see added inland tanker capacity as GEFO's new vessels enter service over the next two years. Companies moving temperature-sensitive liquids should watch for scheduling changes as the fleet expands.
The takeaway
Fleet additions like the Antonello show how European inland operators are investing in newer, lower-emission vessels to meet modern cargo and environmental demands. Watching how these ships perform on the Rhine will indicate how quickly the wider inland fleet can modernise.
What happens next
Five more stainless steel newbuilds are scheduled to join GEFO's inland fleet across 2026 and 2027.
Further reading
Explore more river travel and vessel news in the Cruises section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Baird Maritime.
