At the start of December, Netherlands-based Vertom took delivery of Vertom Rita – the first of a series of 12 diesel-electric shortsea vessels ordered from Chowgule Shipyards in India.
With its box-shaped dry cargo hold, the 6,000 dwt Vertom Rita can cater to diverse shipping needs such as bulk and breakbulk transport, said the shipping line. The design prioritises operational efficiency by combining reduced energy consumption with optimised cargo intake. The vessel measures 99 m in length and has a gross tonnage of 3,923 GT.
“The delivery of Vertom Rita is again a milestone for Vertom as we continue to renew our fleet and align with our long-term strategy,” said Arjan de Jong, ceo of Vertom Group. “It is good to see the first vessel in this series ready to embark on its maiden voyage. We wish the crew a safe journey and look forward to welcoming the 11 additional vessels that will follow in the coming years.”
Vertom Rita incorporates diesel-electric propulsion technology, ensuring compliance with IMO Tier III standards. The company said this modular system uses smaller, efficient engines that adjust to sailing profiles, for optimal fuel consumption. This design is also ready for future alternative fuels, such as methanol-electric or hydrogen-electric propulsion.
Updates from Vertom have come thick and fast. December 9 marked the launch of the carrier’s seventh vessel, constructed in Kampen, the 7,280 dwt Vertom Willemijn. Built by Thecla Bodewes shipyard, it also features diesel-electric propulsion.
Vertom said its LABRAX series has an optimised hull to minimise drag, complies with the latest IMO regulations, and are prepared to integrate alternative fuels and advanced power sources. The vessels have a length of 118.6 m, a beam of 14.3 m, and a two fully box-shaped cargo holds offering 329,700 cu ft of capacity. On completion in January the Vertom Willemijn will join six sister vessels: Vertom Patty, Vertom Cyta, Vertom Tomma, Vertom Anne Marit, Vertom Anette and Vertom Lisa in the carrier’s fleet.
In November 2024, Vertom placed an order for four 10,700 dwt geared tweendeckers at Chowgule Shipyards. Delivery is scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Each features a gross hold volume of 14,243 cu m, offering optimal space for dry cargo, breakbulk and project cargo activities, said Vertom.
