- Wärtsilä will deliver a fully integrated hybrid propulsion solution for four 10,700 DWT vessels for Dutch shipowner Vertom Group.
- The vessels will feature the new Wärtsilä 25 engine, advanced control systems, and battery-powered sailing capabilities.
- The project reflects strong collaboration between Wärtsilä, Eekels Technology, Groot Ship Design, and Chowgule Shipyards to advance sustainable shipping.
Technology group Wärtsilä has secured a contract to supply a state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system for four new 10,700 DWT geared tween decker vessels being built for Dutch maritime service provider Vertom Group. The order was booked in the first quarter of 2025 and forms a core component of Vertom’s continued investment in fleet renewal and sustainable shipping.
The new vessels, tailored for transatlantic operations, will be equipped with the Wärtsilä 25 medium-speed 4-stroke engine, integrated with a hybrid propulsion drivetrain supporting power take-off (PTO), power take-in (PTI), and power take-home (PTH) functionalities. This setup enables operational flexibility, allowing the vessels to sail entirely on battery power without relying on combustion engines when conditions permit.
A Strategic Step in Hybrid Innovation
Vertom Group sees this latest project as a continuation of its innovative approach, following its previous success with diesel-electric propulsion in the short-sea shipping sector. “This new vessel series is designed to merge cutting-edge technology with economic viability, while significantly reducing emissions,” noted Thomas van Meerkerk, Business Development & Innovation lead at Vertom. He praised Wärtsilä’s collaborative approach in supporting the group’s goals.
Comprehensive Propulsion Package
Wärtsilä’s complete solution for each vessel includes the Wärtsilä 25 engine, NOx reducer, gearbox, controllable pitch propeller (CPP), transverse thruster, and the Wärtsilä ProTouch remote propulsion control system. To boost operational efficiency, all vessels will also be equipped with Wärtsilä EcoControl—a smart system that automatically adjusts propeller pitch and engine load in real-time based on vessel draught and sea conditions.
“This combination of technologies showcases the most recent advances in maritime efficiency and decarbonisation,” said Luuk Hijlkema, Senior Sales Manager, Benelux, Wärtsilä Marine. “Our goal is to lower operating costs while maximizing performance and sustainability.”
Integrated Design and Strong Partnerships
The vessels have been designed by Groot Ship Design, based on Vertom’s initial concept. Indian shipbuilder Chowgule Shipyards is responsible for construction, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2028. Eekels Technology, a key partner in the project, serves as the E-power and drive systems integrator, ensuring seamless integration of the Wärtsilä hybrid systems into the final design.
Ulco Hoekstra of Eekels Technology highlighted the strength of the collaboration, noting that “intensive coordination between Groot Ship Design, Wärtsilä, and Eekels resulted in an optimised propulsion system that fully aligns with performance and sustainability targets.”
Deployment on the Europe Caribbean Line
Once delivered, the vessels will operate on the Europe Caribbean Line (ECL), a service operated in partnership with Vertraco Shipping—another member of the Vertom Group. The new ships will play a key role in reducing the environmental impact of transatlantic shipping while improving efficiency in the carriage of general and breakbulk cargo. This project not only underlines Vertom Group’s forward-looking strategy but also signals a broader shift in the maritime industry toward low-emission, hybrid-capable fleets designed for real-world performance and adaptability.
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Source: Wärtsilä
