Dutch short sea shipping company Vertom Group has placed an order for four 10,700 dwt geared multipurpose vessels at India’s Chowgule shipyard.
As informed, the shipbuilding contract was signed on November 18, 2024, in Goa, India.
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, according to Vertom.
Furthermore, the vessels will be equipped with geared tweendecks to maximize cargo versatility. Each ship features a gross hold volume of 14,243 cbm, offering optimal space for dry cargo, and break bulk / project cargo operations.
The 10,700 dwt geared tweendeckers will be powered by Tier III-compliant engines incorporating an SCR system to meet the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations. To enhance the vessel’s versatility, the propulsion system will consist of a main engine and two diesel-electric gensets.
Additionally, to optimize fuel consumption, a 910 kWh battery package will be integrated into the propulsion system.
Designed for operational efficiency, the engine features a fuel monitoring system with flowmeters and torque meters, enabling optimized propulsion, fuel consumption and data analytics.
“Geared tweendeckers are essential for our fleet renewal strategy as we replace the current vessels on the 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,” Arjan de Jong , Vertom CEO, commented.
“Recognizable by their pink design, these ships will become a distinctive presence on their route between Europe and the northern coast of South America.”
Upon delivery, the geared tweendeckers will be deployed on the Europe Caribbean Line (ECL) liner service, operated in partnership with compatriot Vertraco Shipping. The service connects Europe with the northern coast of South America.
In early 2024, Vertom Group also ordered twelve 5,600 dwt diesel-electric vessels at Chowgule. The 5,600 dwt series will be equipped with engines according to IMO Tier III regulations. Its design contains one box-shaped dry cargo hold, fitted for bulk cargoes.
In the Netherlands, a new methanol/hydrogen-ready electric bulker fleet is also being built for Vertom.