Vertom Group announce the successful delivery of MV Vertom Rita, the first of a series of 12 diesel-electric short sea vessels ordered from Chowgule Shipyards in India. The 6,000 DWT vessel is the smaller version of the 7,280 DWT vessel built in the Netherlands, of which six have already been successfully delivered. With the delivery of the first ship of the 6,000 DWT series, the renewal and sustainability efforts of the fleet continues.
With its box-shaped dry cargo hold, MV Vertom Rita offers exceptional flexibility, catering to diverse shipping needs such as bulk and breakbulk transport. The design priorities operational efficiency by combining reduced energy consumption with optimised cargo intake. Measuring 99 meters in length and with a gross tonnage of 3,923 GT, the vessel ensures reliability and performance for short sea operations.
The construction process benefited from proven designs and collaborative expertise, ensuring a streamlined build that emphasizes safety, durability, and consistency across the fleet.
“The delivery of MV Vertom Rita is again a milestone for Vertom Group as we continue to renew our fleet and align with our long-term strategy,” said Arjan de Jong, CEO of Vertom Group. “It is good to see the first vessel in this series ready to embark on its maiden voyage. We wish the crew a safe journey and look forward to welcoming the 11 additional vessels that will follow in the coming years.”
In addition to this series of 12 vessels, Vertom is investing in a broader fleet renewal program. Alongside the 7,280 DWT vessels currently under construction in the Netherlands, these ships represent a significant modernization effort. “With these vessels, we are making great strides toward achieving our target of reducing carbon intensity by 40% by 2030,” De Jong added.
The MV Vertom Rita incorporates the latest diesel-electric propulsion technology, ensuring compliance with IMO Tier III standards while minimizing environmental impact. The modular system utilizes smaller, efficient engines that adjust to sailing profiles for optimal fuel consumption. This design not only reduces energy use but is also ready for future alternative fuels, such as methanol-electric or hydrogen-electric propulsion, underscoring Vertom’s commitment to sustainability.
In addition to its advanced engineering, the vessel is equipped with advanced data connectivity and automation systems, simplifying reporting and administrative tasks to improve crew efficiency.
MV Vertom Rita has started her journey to Europe, where she will operate in the European short sea market. The vessel combines a box-shaped cargo hold for optimal loading flexibility with an optimised hull design. This ensures maximum fuel efficiency during navigation and loading operations, contributing to Vertom’s sustainability goals.
The MV Vertom Rita is part of a broader strategy to introduce innovative short sea vessels designed for operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and adaptability. With deliveries scheduled through 2029, this series plays a vital role in reducing the environmental impact of short sea shipping while meeting the evolving demands of the industry.
Established in 1960, Chowgule Shipyards has built a reputation for delivering a wide range of high-quality maritime vessels, from coastal ships to large ocean-going vessels up to 6,000 DWT.
