MacGregor has secured an order from the Vertom group, a Dutch shipowner and maritime service provider, to deliver fully electric cargo cranes for four multi-purpose vessels. This order represents MacGregor’s first electric crane delivery for vessels that will be built in India.
The vessels will be constructed at Chowgule Shipyard in India, and the order has been facilitated in close cooperation with Varya Tech Pvt Ltd., MacGregor’s local sales partner.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026. Each vessel will be equipped with 2 x SWL 80t – 18-metre fully electric cargo cranes.
Also read: Vertom orders four tweendeckers in India
Electric cargo handling
The order is to advance sustainable operations by integrating energy-efficient, electric cargo handling solutions into the fleet. The fully electric cranes are designed to enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact compared to traditional hydraulic systems.
‘We are pleased to partner with MacGregor on this important step forward in the electrification of our fleet,’ says Rolf van Leeuwen, Newbuilding Superintendent, Vertom. ‘These electric cranes support our commitment to safer and more sustainable operations and reflect our ambition to lead by example in responsible shipping.’
Tweendeckers with diesel-hybrid propulsion
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.
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.
Picture: Vertom’s multi-purpose vessel (by Vertom Group).
