Finnish Technology Group Wärtsilä to Provide Hybrid Propulsion Solution for Vertom Group Vessels

Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted to supply an integrated hybrid propulsion solution for four new 10,700 dwt geared tween decker vessels being built for Dutch ship owner Vertom Group.

The four pink-colored multipurpose vessels were ordered from India’s Chowgule shipyard in November 2024 and are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028.

Once delivered, the vessels will be deployed on the Europe Caribbean Line (ECL) in partnership with Vertraco Shipping, also part of Vertom Group.

The Wärtsilä hybrid propulsion solution combines the Wärtsilä 25 medium-speed 4-stroke engine with a hybrid propulsion drive train with PTO/PTI/PTH, designed to optimize vessel propulsion efficiency and enable sailing modes on batteries without using combustion power.

The 10,700 dwt series complements Vertom’s fleet renewal program and commitment to sustainable shipping.

“After the success of the diesel-electric propulsion concept in the short-sea sector, Vertom has once again embraced the challenge, this time for vessels with a transatlantic sailing profile. The Vertom 10,700 design integrates innovation with an economically viable approach, with a strong focus on reducing the carbon footprint. We are grateful for the collaboration and support from Wärtsilä, who are committed to contributing to this project,” said Thomas van Meerkerk, responsible for Business Development & Innovation at Vertom.

Wärtsilä’s supply includes the Wärtsilä 25 engine, NOx reducer, gearbox, controllable pitch propeller (CPP), transverse thruster, and the Wärtsilä ProTouch remote propulsion control system.

The vessels will be equipped with Wärtsilä EcoControl to enhance the vessel power and propulsion system for optimal fuel consumption.

“This combination of solutions represents the latest advances in marine technology, offering both performance and environmental benefits. It underscores our commitment to decarbonising shipping operations and significantly increasing efficiencies, while at the same time lowering operating costs,” said Luuk Hijlkema, Senior Sales Manager for Benelux, Wärtsilä Marine.

The vessels, designed by Groot Ship Design and under construction in India, are supported by Eekels Technology for e-power & drive systems integration.

“Intensive collaboration between Groot Ship Design, Eekels Technology, and Wärtsilä results in an optimal propulsion design and system integration,” emphasized Ulco Hoekstra, Manager Sales & Business Development, Eekels Technology.

Vertom recently welcomed its eighth 7,250 dwt diesel-electric multipurpose dry cargo ship, the MV Vertom Joyce, to its fleet. The vessel, part of the LABRAX series, was constructed by Thecla Bodewes Shipyards and joined the fleet on May 28, 2025.

The MV Vertom Joyce, with a length of 118.6 meters and a beam of 14.30 meters, is part of a series of twelve newbuildings designed to set new benchmarks for sustainability and efficiency in maritime transportation.