As part of its ongoing fleet renewal programme, Vertom Group has ordered four 10,700-DWT geared tweendeckers at Chowgule Shipyards in India. Delivery of the vessels is scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
The contract for these four vessels has been signed on 18 November in Goa. The newly ordered vessels are designed to meet the demands of modern shipping, incorporating state-of-the-art technology for safety, crew welfare, fuel efficiency, and operational flexibility.
With a deadweight of 10,700 metric tonnes, these vessels are equipped with geared tweendecks to maximise cargo versatility. Each vessel features a gross hold volume of 14,243 m3, offering optimal space for dry cargo, and breakbulk/project cargo operations. The vessels are specially designed to handle a mix of breakbulk and dry bulk cargoes.
Vertom Group is also expanding its fleet with ten multi-purpose diesel-electric multi-purpose vessels. The vessels of the LABRAX type are being built in the Netherlands by Thecla Bodewes Shipyards. In October, the sixth vessel in this series was delivered to Vertom.
Also read: Thecla Bodewes Shipyards delivers Vertom Lisa
Diesel-hybrid populsion system
The 10,700-DWT geared tweendeckers will be powered by Tier III-compliant engines incorporating a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to meet IMO regulations. To enhance the vessel’s versatility, the propulsion system will consist of a main engine and two diesel-electric gensets. Additionally, to optimise fuel consumption even further, a 910 kWh battery package will be integrated into the propulsion system.
Designed for operational efficiency, the engine features a fuel monitoring system with flow meters and torque meters, enabling optimised propulsion, fuel consumption and data analytics.
Vertom CEO Arjan de Jong: ‘Geared tweendeckers are essential for our fleet renewal strategy as we replace the current vessels on the Europe Caribbean Line (ECL) service. By leveraging our earlier collaboration with Chowgule, we have identified the most innovative and sustainable solution currently available for this route. We look forward to the future and will continue to adapt to market and client demands. Recognisable by their pink design, these ships will become a distinctive presence on their route between Europe and the northern coast of South America.’
Picture by Vertom Group.
