Vertom’s seventh diesel-electric vessel launched at Dutch shipyard

Dutch Thecla Bodewes Shipyards has launched and christened the seventh diesel-electric dry bulk vessel built for compatriot short-sea shipping company Vertom Group.

The vessel named Vertom Willemijn was christened on December 6, and hit the water three days later on December 9, 2024, at Thecla Bodewes yard in Kampen.

Its delivery is scheduled for January 2025.

Courtesy of Vertom Group

Courtesy of Vertom Group

Vertom Willemijn is the seventh in a series of ten Labrax vessels, each equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system.  The 7,000 dwt dry bulk carriers feature a length of 118.6 meters and a width of 14.3 meters.

The sixth Labrax vessel, Vertom Lisa, was floated out at Thecla Bodewes Shipyards in Kampen in July and delivered in October 2024.

The propulsion system in this ship series comprises four generator sets aimed at minimizing energy consumption, cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and reducing overall maintenance costs.

The ships also have a CFD-optimized hull shape and an efficient fixed-pitch propeller shaft line system to maximize the benefits of the diesel-electric propulsion system.

According to Vertom Group, combined with a number of energy-saving technologies, the vessels reduce NOx emissions to an absolute minimum. 

“With the LABRAX series, we are not just building ships; we are shaping the future of sustainable maritime transport. The MV Vertom Willemijn represents innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility, and we are proud to continue our collaboration with Vertom Group on this groundbreaking project,” said Thecla Bodewes, CEO of Thecla Bodewes Shipyards.

“The launch of MV Vertom Willemijn underscores Vertom’s ongoing commitment to fleet renewal and sustainability. Building on the proven success of earlier vessels in the series, the vessel represents another step forward in helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals and operational efficiency targets. With each vessel in this series, we have the valuable opportunity to incorporate feedback from our crew on board, allowing us to continuously refine and improve the design. This launch reflects the collaboration and expertise of our suppliers, Thecla Bodewes Shipyards, and our dedicated team, whose efforts ensure continuous innovation and exceptional quality in maritime solutions.”

In the recent news, the Dutch shipowner welcomed Vertom Rita, the first of a series of twelve diesel-electric short-sea vessels ordered from Chowgule Shipyards in India. The 6,000 dwt vessel is the smaller version of the 7,280 dwt vessel built in the Netherlands.

At the same shipyard, Vertom also has four 10,700 dwt geared multipurpose vessels on order. Slated for delivery in 2027 and 2028, the units are designed to meet the demands of ‘modern’ shipping, incorporating advanced technology for safety, crew welfare, fuel efficiency, and operational flexibility.