Following the decision to bring the multipurpose (MPP) and general cargo vessel, Vertom Joy, into its fleet a couple of months ago, Vertraco Shipping has not held the official christening ceremony. The event held at the Supermaritime Group’s terminal in Vlissingen, marked a significant milestone in the cooperation between Vertom Group, Europe Caribbean Line and Schram Shipping.

Thecla Bodewes Shipyards delivered MV Vertom Joy in April 2023. The ship, originally designed as a DP-2 pipe supply vessel, was transformed by TBSY, converting it into a versatile MPP and general cargo ship. After successful sea trials on the North Sea and receiving its class certificates, the vessel departed for China for the installation of two 80-tonne cranes from McGregor. It received the final colours as well, featuring two eye-catching pink cranes.

Kerst Medendorp, TBSY Project Manager for this special project, said, “We are pleased with the end result. The collaboration for this special project started over a year ago. The pleasant and professional collaboration between all parties, including our suppliers and subcontractors, has resulted in an ultra-modern ship. Together we looked at the most future-proof solution for propulsion and onboard systems. If you consider that a large part of the existing installation has been replaced and that the new systems were installed in a relatively short build period, it is quite an achievement! I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Schram Shipping team and Vertom for their trust and pleasant cooperation!”

“It is incredibly fascinating to experience the entire construction process from A to Z. We have experienced the collaboration with TBSY as very pleasant: we worked with a top team and were able to provide our seafaring experience as input for the design of the MV Vertom Joy,” said, Els Branswijk, First Mate at Schram Shipping.

Benny Kerkhof, General Manager of Vertraco Shipping (managing- and commercial agent of ECL), expressed his enthusiasm for the newly christened MV Vertom Joy, stating, “We are pleased to introduce the MV Vertom Joy as a valuable addition to our stable and reliable liner service between Europe and the north coast of South America. In addition to our established expertise in the breakbulk segment, this vessel expands our capabilities, offering new possibilities in the project market sector. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the hard work and dedication demonstrated by all designers and shipbuilders involved in bringing this project to fruition.”

Following its christening, the MV Vertom Joy is set to embark on its voyage to Antwerp, where it will be deployed on the trading line operated by ECL connecting Europe and the north coast of South America.