Vertom's newest short sea carrier launched in India

A new cargo vessel ordered by Dutch short sea shipping company the Vertom Group was launched into the water for the first time on Sunday, March 16.

Vertom Rian is the second vessel in a series of 12 built for Vertom by Indian shipyard Chowgule and Company. Series lead ship Vertom Rita was handed over in 2024.

Design work on Vertom Rian was undertaken by Dutch naval architecture firm Groot Ship Design. Vertom expects to take delivery of the ship in May 2025.

Upon completion, the vessel will have a length of 99 metres, a beam of 14.3 metres, a draught of 6.9 metres, a deadweight of 6,000, and a gross tonnage of 3,923. It will incorporate 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 will utilise 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.