HYBRID-ELECTRIC SHORTSEA VESSEL READY FOR METHANOL AND HYDROGEN ON MV

The first ship in a series of new highly efficient shortsea cargo vessels

entered service at the end of 2022 continuing the evolution of the segment. In

addition to having an efficient design and innovative power plant, the Vertom

Patty was designed to anticipate future trends. Her electric power plant is

ready for conversion to methanol fuel or hydrogen power.

The Vertom Patty was built at the Thecla Bodewes Shipyards in The

Netherlands for Vertom, a Dutch shortsea shipping company with a fleet of

approximately 100 vessels ranging between 1,500 and 10,000 dwt. The first of six

ships that the group ordered from the shipbuilder, the Vertom Patty is 390 feet

long and 7,000 dwt.

The LABRAX design was developed to Vertom’s requirements and to provide

both a highly efficient ship as well as one with versatility in its cargo

operations. The completely box-shaped cargo holds ensure optimal loading

flexibility and maximum cargo intake. The vessel is capable of grain or bale

loading and can also transport containers with a capacity of up to 56 TEU.

During detailed engineering for the ship, computational fluid dynamics

(CFD) optimization was performed for the hull designs for a fuel-efficient

speed-power performance powered by a future proof modular electric propulsion

system. Vertom says the system distributes the vessel’s energy load more

efficiently, by using four smaller engines that adjust to the current sailing

profile for the most efficient combustion.

This hybrid concept is also designed to be ready for future developments.

It will be possible to convert the vessel’s propulsion to either

methanol-electric or hydrogen-electric. The company has also begun exploring the

use of wind-assisted propulsion recently installing wind foils on two of its

vessels for testing.

Vertom says the innovative hybrid design of the LABRAX vessels is an

important step in its target to reduce carbon intensity by 40 percent by

2030.

Vertom Patty was launched in late September 2022 while the keels were also

laid for the second and third ships of the call. The next two vessels will be

Vertom Cyta and Vertom Tooma. The second vessel is due towards the end of April

2023 and the full class is scheduled to be delivered by mid-2025. Vertom Patty

completed her sea trials at the beginning of December before the handover.

The vessel’s maiden voyage began on December 30 from Delfzijl, The

Netherlands to Santander Spain. She is operating the voyage for OCI Nitrogen, a

producer of nitrogen products for use in agricultural and industrial

applications.