Vertom Group’s Diesel-Electric Fleet: A Bold Leap Toward Maritime Sustainability
In a move that underscores the maritime industry’s accelerating shift toward greener horizons, Dutch short-sea shipping powerhouse Vertom Group has unveiled the second vessel in its ambitious fleet of twelve 6,000 dwt diesel-electric ships. Built by India’s Chowgule shipyard, the MV Vertom Rian hit the water for the first time during a christening ceremony on March 16, 2025. This sleek, eco-conscious vessel is expected to join Vertom’s operational fleet by the end of May 2025, marking another milestone in the company’s quest to slash carbon emissions and align with global sustainability mandates.
At the heart of this maritime marvel is its cutting-edge diesel-electric propulsion system—a game-changer in the fight against climate change. By leveraging this hybrid tech, Vertom is not just reducing its carbon footprint but also future-proofing its operations against increasingly stringent environmental regulations. It’s a bold statement in an industry historically dominated by fossil fuels, and Vertom is clearly leading the charge.
Chowgule Shipyard: The Backbone of Vertom’s Green Revolution
The partnership between Vertom and Chowgule is more than just a business deal—it’s a collaboration rooted in innovation and sustainability. Back in February 2024, Vertom commissioned Chowgule to build the twelve vessels, with the first ship, the MV Vertom Rita, already setting sail in December 2024. This 99-meter-long vessel, with a gross tonnage of 3,923, is not only diesel-electric but also primed for future fuels like methanol and hydrogen. Talk about forward-thinking engineering.
These ships are shorter, more agile versions of Vertom’s 7,280 dwt vessels, which were previously built in the Netherlands. But don’t let their size fool you—these vessels pack a punch when it comes to efficiency and sustainability. With the entire fleet expected to be delivered by 2029, Vertom is doubling down on its commitment to decarbonization, one ship at a time.
LABRAX Series: The Future of Maritime Shipping
But Vertom isn’t stopping at diesel-electric. The company is also rolling out its LABRAX series—eight methanol- and hydrogen-ready electric bulk carriers designed to push the boundaries of maritime innovation. Ordered from Dutch shipbuilder Thecla Bodewes, these vessels are part of Vertom’s broader strategy to embrace alternative fuels and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.
The first LABRAX vessel, the MV Vertom Patty, joined the fleet in 2022, with two more added in February 2023. By mid-2025, all eight vessels are expected to be operational, further cementing Vertom’s reputation as a trailblazer in sustainable shipping. The MV Vertom Lisa, the sixth in the series, launched in July 2024, followed by the seventh in December 2024. Each vessel is a testament to Vertom’s vision of a cleaner, greener maritime future.
As the maritime industry navigates the choppy waters of decarbonization, Vertom Group is steering full speed ahead. With its diesel-electric fleet and LABRAX series, the company is not just adapting to change—it’s driving it. And with Chowgule Shipyard as its trusted partner, Vertom is proving that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand.
