Vertom Bereederungs GmbH & Co. KG - Experts & Thought Leaders

Dutch maritime solar innovator Wattlab has delivered a seaworthy solar energy system for globally operating shipping, trading, and maritime services company Vertom. The recently delivered ‘MV Vertom Tula’ is a 7,280 dwt diesel-electric multipurpose cargo vessel. The solar system represents a major technical milestone and a step forward for sustainable shipping. Wattlab has delivered and installed 44 Solar Flatracks that will provide power to onboard systems, reducing 20% of the hotel load.  Fleet of over 100 vessels Vertom operates a fleet of over 100 vessels, ranging from 1,500 to 12,000 DWT. In addition to Shipping & Trading, Vertom’s portfolio consists of Port Agencies & Freight Forwarding, Maritime Services, Tanker Chartering, and Liner Services. The company has a strong track record in the Short Sea Shipping market, and aims to operate as sustainable as possible. To understand and test Wattlab’s new technology and benefits, Vertom executed two pilot projects with Wattlab before deciding to fully outfit this newbuild. Fast installation After production and assembly in September in Wattlab’s brand new production facilities in Rotterdam, the 44 Solar Flatracks were installed onboard within a day in the Port of Harlingen. Bo Salet, co-founder and CEO of Wattlab, explains that the Solar Flatracks can be installed in a minimum amount of time using container twist lock fittings: “For shipowners, time is money, so speed and ease of use are important. Furthermore, we know that ‘space is money’ too. Hence, should the panels need to be removed to make way for a special type of cargo, the crew can easily stack and store them all on the footprint of one 20ft container.” He continues: “We thank Vertom for their trust and the smooth collaboration in the past three years. Without them we could not have achieved this milestone; that goes both for the vessel itself as for the technology. We wish the Vertom Tula and its crew fair winds and following seas! In addition, we thank the EU’s Just Transition Fund (JTF), which co-financed this project.” Happy crew “During the pilots, the test results showed that the Solar Flatrack system performs well in the tough coastal shipping environment,” says Thomas van Meerkerk, Business Development Manager at Vertom. “Based on the results of our own and TNO’s research in the past months, we consider Wattlab’s Solar Flatrack an effective option for reducing GHG and pollutant emissions. Of course, these things also depend on the conditions our vessels operate in, but it’s clear that the system can provide both a positive ROI and contribute to CO₂ reduction in shipping.” Bo adds: “Another benefit is that the panels can stay on the hatch covers during loading and discharging operations. The crew was sceptical at first, fearing a lot of extra work. However, they soon learned that in practice, Solar Flatracks are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. For example, there’s no salt crust formation, because the water can drain freely from the panels.” Validation and recognition Dutch independent and globally acknowledged research organisation TNO has validated the CO2 emission reduction and ROI time of the system. Their report will be published shortly.  In recent weeks, Solar Flatrack has been nominated for the IBJ Awards, both for the Environmental Protection Award, and the Bulk Ship of the Year Award, together with Vertom. Bo: “For those wanting to learn more, we welcome clients at our new production hall and office in the Port of Rotterdam. Also, you can meet us at Europort on 4-7 November, Hal 8 Booth 8201, where we will show our Solar Flatrack live for the first time.” Scalable solar solutions for coastal vessels Having a first full-scale system operational on a coaster marks an important step in the evolution of maritime decarbonisation strategies. With rising regulatory pressure (e.g. FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS) and volatile fuel prices, shipowners and operators are seeking ways to diversify their onboard energy mix. Wattlab’s scalable solar solution now offers a practical and proven solution for coastal and short sea vessels. This project sets the stage for wider adoption across the sector; delivering emission reductions, fuel savings, and energy resilience without compromising deck space or cargo flexibility.

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply an integrated hybrid propulsion solution for four new 10,700 DWT geared tween decker vessels being built for Dutch ship owner and maritime service provider Vertom Group. Combining the Wärtsilä 25 medium-speed 4-stroke engine with a hybrid propulsion drive train with PTO/PTI/PTH, the package is designed to optimise vessel propulsion efficiency, while enabling sailing modes on batteries without using combustion power. The 10,700 DWT series complements Vertom’s ongoing fleet renewal programme and commitment to sustainable shipping. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q1 2025. Comments from Vertom official “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,” says Thomas van Meerkerk, who is responsible for Business Development & Innovation at Vertom. “The Vertom 10,700 design seamlessly integrates cutting-edge 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.” Full scope of Wärtsilä’s supply All four vessels will be equipped with Wärtsilä EcoControl, which will further enhance the vessel power and propulsion system The full scope of 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. Through the combined optimisation of the propeller, power supply and hull, these vessels will be able to achieve high efficiency and enhanced performance. In addition, all four vessels will be equipped with Wärtsilä EcoControl, which will further enhance the vessel power and propulsion system to balance the most efficient fuel consumption. By considering the vessel’s draught and other external conditions, this will be made possible by a smart control system that seeks and combines the optimal propeller pitch and engine loading automatically upon activation. Words from Wärtsilä official “This combination of solutions represents the latest advances in marine technology, offering both performance and environmental benefits,” comments Luuk Hijlkema, Senior Sales Manager for Benelux, Wärtsilä Marine. “It underscores our commitment to decarbonising shipping operations and significantly increasing efficiencies, while at the same time lowering operating costs.” Vessels under construction The vessels have been designed by Groot Ship Design and are under construction at Chowgule Shipyards in India The vessels have been designed by Groot Ship Design and are under construction at Chowgule Shipyards in India. Groot Ship Design took the original wishes of Vertom and created the initial design. The project is also supported by Eekels Technology as the specialist for E-power & Drive systems and as the dedicated system integrator. The Wärtsilä and Eekels Technology scope was integrated into the final design, with the combined team working together on the integration and further optimisation of the performance of the vessels. Collaboration between Groot Ship Design, Eekels Technology and Wärtsilä “Intensive collaboration between Groot Ship Design, Eekels Technology and Wärtsilä results in an optimal propulsion design and system integration,” adds Ulco Hoekstra, Manager Sales & Business development, Eekels Technology. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to Chowgule Shipyards in 2026, and the vessels are expected to be delivered 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.

NSSLGlobal, the independent satcom and IT solutions provider, has won a 36-month contract to support Dutch-owned, worldwide shipping expert Vertom Bereederungs as it strives to meet the need for ever higher data demands brought on by the maritime industry’s ongoing digitalisation alongside the need for crew retention. The agreement sees NSSLGlobal provide its renowned VSAT IP@SEA service to 28 Vertom ships including 13 new diesel-electric propelled vessels, as well as providing Vertom with a complete on-board IT equipment package. This includes an on-board managed Windows Enterprise Server solution operating user authentication, security updates and print and file server, all covered by NSSLGlobal’s, comprehensive Extended Warranty Plan. Vertom’s digitalisation vision NSSLGlobal supporting Vertom’s digitalisation vision by rolling out its SMART@SEA platform As Vertom expands its fleet and focuses on developing high-performance, sustainable options for shipping operations, NSSLGlobal will be supporting Vertom’s digitalisation vision by rolling out its latest SMART@SEA platform across the fleet. This will allow Vertom to benefit from the full range of NSSLGlobal IT, Cyber Security and Crew Entertainment suite of services. To gain additional operational resilience, Vertom will be using NSSLGlobal’s INSIGHT customer portal, allowing the HQ to monitor its fleet VSAT usage, applications and connectivity alongside additional functionality such as the ability to automatically upgrade and downgrade vessel packages as required to meet changing and urgent bandwidth demands. Latest industry developments NSSLGLobal has been a trusted partner for many years, becoming more than just a service"  Warner Warnders, Managing Director at Vertom Bereederungs GmbH & Co.KG comments, “NSSLGLobal has been a trusted partner for many years, becoming more than just a service or communications equipment provider."  He adds, "The engineers understand our specific needs and advise us on the best solutions, as well as keeping us updated on the very latest industry developments to ensure we can future-proof our investments and keep pace with user demands. The team also shares our focus on innovation and sustainability, working with us to enhance our service provision without impacting our environmental footprint.” Reduce the environmental footprint Henrik Christensen, CEO, Continental Europe, NSSLGlobal, adds, “NSSLGlobal is a customer-driven, maritime service provider with a focus on innovation and value for money which aligns perfectly with Vertom’s vision and ethos. In helping Vertom keep up with data demands and maintain resilience in its communications provision, we are also able to reduce the environmental footprint along the value chains in which we operate." He adds, "We are doing this through the increased digitalisation of the solutions we provide such as SMART@SEA the powerful maritime solution that offers a virtualised on-board appliance for managing all aspects of their communications, cybersecurity, IT services and crew welfare services and INSIGHT our customer portal.”