MV Vertom Patty, First of series of six 7,000 launched at Thecla Bodewes Shipyards

To emphasize the importance of this event, this first vessel in the series of no fewer than six, was festively christened by Mrs. Patty Pols, the wife of the late Mr. Pols, founder of Vertom. The vessel will be commissioned in Kampen in the coming weeks and delivery is scheduled for the end of 2022.

“The launch of the first out of six 7,000 DWT vessels is another milestone in the rich history of Vertom and we are grateful to have this done by Mrs. Patty Pols, the wife of the founder of Vertom,” commented Arjan de Jong, CEO of Vertom. “I am delighted to see the result and would like to express my appreciation to Thecla Bodewes and her team for their dedication and effort in realizing such an innovative vessel. With this vessel we make a huge step towards our target to reduce carbon intensity by 40% by 2030.”

The LABRAX 7,000 DWT Cargo vessels are especially developed to Vertom’s requirements for providing tailor-made shipping solutions for their clients. The completely box-shaped cargo holds ensure optimal loading flexibility and maximum cargo intake. During detail engineering, CFD optimization of the hull design was performed for a fuel-efficient speed-power performance powered by a future proof modular electric propulsion system. This system distributes the vessel’s energy load more efficiently, by using several smaller engines that adjust to the current sailing profile for the most efficient combustion.
This hybrid concept is designed to be ready for future developments, because of the possibility to make the vessel’s propulsion methanol-electric or hydrogen-electric.

During this memorable day for the MV Vertom Patty, the official keel laying ceremony of the second and third vessel in the series, BN359 and BN360, also took place in Kampen. The two vessels will respectively be named MV Vertom Cyta and MV Vertom Tomma.

“We are proud to have been awarded the trust by Vertom for the order of six vessels of the LABRAX 7,000 series,” says CEO Thecla Bodewes. “This extensive order shows that Thecla Bodewes Shipyards has firmly established as a reputable partner for the design, development and construction of such innovative vessels and we are much looking forward to continuing our highly valued partnership with Vertom.”

The vessels, with a length of 118.60m and breadth of 14.30m, are being developed and constructed at Thecla Bodewes Shipyards facility in Kampen the Netherlands, in collaboration with experienced Dutch suppliers and subcontractors. Further deliveries are scheduled from 2022 to mid-2025.