Vertom Group has continued its fleet renewal program by ordering four 10,700 dwt geared multipurpose (MPP) tweendeckers from Chowgule Shipyards in India. The quartet’s delivery is scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
With a deadweight of 10,700 metric tons, these vessels are equipped with geared tweendecks to maximize cargo versatility. Each vessel features a gross hold volume of 14,243 cubic meters, offering optimal space for dry cargo, breakbulk, and project cargo operations.
The ships will be equipped with Tier III-compliant engines that incorporate an SCR system to adhere to IMO regulations. To increase the vessel’s adaptability, the propulsion system will include a main engine along with two diesel-electric generator sets. Moreover, to further enhance fuel efficiency, a 910 kWh battery pack will be incorporated into the propulsion system.
Engineered for effective operations, the engine is equipped with a fuel monitoring system that includes flowmeters and torque meters, which facilitate optimized propulsion, fuel efficiency, and data analysis.
“Geared tweendeckers are essential for our fleet renewal strategy as we replace the current vessels on the ECL service. By leveraging our earlier collaboration with Chowgule, we have identified the most innovative and sustainable solution currently available for this route,” Vertom CEO Arjan de Jong said. “We look forward to the future and will continue to adapt to market and client demands. Recognizable by their pink design, these ships will become a distinctive presence on their route between Europe and the northern coast of South America.”
Once delivered, the four MPP vessels will be deployed on the Europe Caribbean Line (ECL), a joint service with Vertraco Shipping. This route connects Europe with the northern coast of South America, providing reliable and efficient transportation solutions. The ships’ versatile design enables them to handle both breakbulk and dry bulk cargo, catering to a wide range of customer needs.
