VESSEL REVIEW | Vertom Rita – Versatile 6,000DWT short sea carrier for European routes

Dutch shipping company the Vertom Group has taken delivery of the first unit in a new series of short sea cargo vessels ordered from Indian shipbuilder Chowgule and Company.

Vertom Rita belongs to a series of 12 ships that are smaller variants of another 7,000DWT multi-purpose cargo carrier (MPCC) series being built for Vertom by Dutch shipbuilder Thecla Bodewes. Design work on Vertom Rita and her sisters was undertaken by Dutch naval architecture firm Groot Ship Design, which was also responsible for Vertom’s larger 7,000DWT MPCCs.

Proven streamlined hull already in use on the owner's other ships

Vertom said the acquisition of Vertom Rita is part of a broader strategy to introduce innovative short sea vessels designed for operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and adaptability. The company added that the construction of the entire series benefited from proven designs and collaborative expertise, ensuring a streamlined build that emphasises safety, durability, and consistency across the fleet.

The vessel has a length of 99 metres (320 feet), a beam of 14.3 metres (46.9 feet), a draught of 6.9 metres (23 feet), a deadweight of 6,000, and a gross tonnage of 3,923. It incorporates diesel-electric propulsion technology coupled with an optimised hull design to comply with IMO Tier III NOx emissions standards while minimising environmental impact.

The vessel features a box-shaped hold for transporting bulk and breakbulk cargo, thus guaranteeing optimal loading flexibility. Vertom said the design prioritises operational efficiency by combining reduced energy consumption with optimised cargo intake.

The vessel's modular system utilises smaller, efficient engines that adjust to sailing profiles for optimal fuel consumption. Vertom said this design not only reduces energy use but is also ready for future alternative fuels, such as methanol-electric or hydrogen-electric propulsion, as is also the case with the company's 7,000DWT MPCCs.

Part of a growing low-emission fleet

The vessel is also equipped with advanced data connectivity and automation systems, simplifying reporting and administrative tasks to improve crew efficiency. Deck space is meanwhile available for a free-fall lifeboat.

Vertom Rita has since departed on its delivery voyage to Europe. Following its arrival, it will begin operational sailings in the European short sea market. The eleven remaining ships in the series are scheduled to be handed over to Vertom through 2029.

In addition to this series of vessels, Vertom is investing in a broader fleet renewal program. The company said that, alongside the 7,000DWT MPCCs currently under construction in the Netherlands, the 6,000DWT ships represent a significant modernisation effort.

Arjan de Jong, CEO of the Vertom Group, said the acquisition of the vessels is in line with the company’s aim of reducing carbon intensity by 40 per cent by 2030.