Royal T Shipyards (formerly Thecla Bodewes Shipyards) has christened and launched the MV Vertom Tula, the ninth vessel in the Labrax series. It is the first ship in the series to be launched under the shipyard’s new name and Royal designation, awarded in celebration of the yard’s 100th anniversary earlier in 2025.
Diesel-electric Labrax series
MV Vertom Tula will be completed in Kampen in the coming weeks and will head to the Royal T Shipyards facilities in Harlingen for sea trials and delivery in September 2025.
Measuring 118.6m in length with a beam of 14.3m, the MV Vertom Tula features a full-box cargo hold of 9,336m3. All nine 7,280 DWT vessels feature diesel-electric propulsion systems, low-resistance hulls and a smart energy management systems. These features enable fuel savings and emissions reductions, while ensuring the vessels are ready for a future powered by alternative zero-emission fuels. The MV Vertom Tula fully embodies this approach to sustainability and efficiency. The vessel is ready to transition to alternative zero-emission fuels in the near future.
A royal beginning
In June 2025, Thecla Bodewes Shipyards received the prestigious Royal designation. The yard now continues as Royal T Shipyards.
“This launch is a true milestone,” said Thecla Bodewes, CEO of Royal T Shipyards. “Not only are we proud to deliver another innovative Labrax vessel in close cooperation with Vertom Group, but the MV Vertom Tula is also the first vessel to be launched under our new name, Royal T Shipyards. MV Vertom Tula represents everything we stand for: teamwork, technology, trust and the future of sustainable shipping.”
Dutch craftsmanship
Dirk de Jong, technical director of Vertom Group, commented, “Since joining Vertom earlier this month, it’s been a remarkable start, witnessing and now contributing to such a meaningful milestone so early in my time here. The christening and launch of MV Vertom Tula highlights the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. As a true piece of Dutch craftsmanship, this vessel was built through close collaboration between the shipyard, suppliers and crew, reflecting Vertom’s ongoing dedication to quality, trust and sustainable growth.”
“This ship is not just steel and technology,” Bodewes said during the launch. “It is the result of craftsmanship, collaboration and care. Every person involved – from welders to engineers to project leaders – helped bring this vessel to life.”
In related news, Thecla Bodewes Shipyards recently delivered the MV Vertom Joyce, a 7,280 DWT diesel-electric dry cargo vessel, to Vertom Group