Dutch shipping company, Vertom, has placed an order with Thecla Bodewes Shipyards for a new pair of 7,000-dwt multipurpose vessels. The order comes in as the construction of Vertom Cyta and Vertom Tomma is in full swing. 

With the new order, Vertom’s order at the Thecla Bodewes Shipyards has grown to a total of eight 7,000 dwt Diesel-Electric multipurpose dry cargo vessels, as the yard has earlier received the orders for six similar vessels.

The additional ordered vessels of the LABRAX series, will have the same specifications, including the optimised hull shape and diesel-electric propulsion system. The LABRAX series, with a 118-meter length, 14.30-meter beam and 6.20-meter draught, is custom developed to Vertom’s requirements for providing tailor-made shipping solutions for their clients. The completely box-shaped cargo holds ensure maximum loading flexibility and cargo intake. CFD optimisation of the hull design has been performed for a fuel-efficient speed-power performance.

The vessel is powered by a future proof modular electric propulsion system to achieve EEDI numbers which are well below the future IMO standards. This modular propulsion concept is designed to be ready for future developments, by means of the ability to make the vessels’ propulsion methanol-electric or hydrogen-electric and to further reduce carbon emissions. The first vessel of the series, Vertom Patty, was launched in September 2022.

The sea trials with the Vertom Patty were successfully conducted in the North Sea and took place in December 2022. The Maiden Voyage of the vessel shows the vessel is achieving Vertom’s fuel consumption targets. The upcoming launch of Vertom Cyta will be on February 23, 2023. Further deliveries are scheduled from 2023 to 2025.