Royal T Shipyards Launches First “Royal” LABRAX Vessel
Royal T Shipyards (formerly Thecla Bodewes Shipyards) proudly announces the successful christening and launch of the MV Vertom Tula, the ninth vessel in the groundbreaking LABRAX series. This launch marks a particularly special moment, as the MV Vertom Tula 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 this year.
A Royal Beginning for MV Vertom Tula
In June 2025, Thecla Bodewes Shipyards received the prestigious Royal designation – the highest honor granted to Dutch companies of national significance. The yard now continues as Royal T Shipyards.
“This launch is a true milestone,” said CEO Thecla Bodewes. “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.”
A Touch of the World – and a Personal Connection
The christening ceremony was made even more memorable by the presence of godmother Mrs. Tula Gonzaléz, who traveled all the way from South America with her family to name the vessel. Her international presence reflected the global spirit of maritime cooperation that Royal T Shipyards and Vertom Group embrace in every project.
Representing Vertom Group, Dirk de Jong, Technical Director said: “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 & 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.”
LABRAX: Leading the Way in Emission-Ready Innovation
The MV Vertom Tula offers exceptional cargo-handling capabilities and operational efficiency. Measuring 118.60 meters in length with a beam of 14.30 meters, and featuring a spacious full-box cargo hold of 329,700 cubic feet, the vessel stands out as a competitive solution for modern logistics. All of the nine 7,280 DWT vessels feature cutting-edge diesel-electric propulsion systems, a low-resistance hull, and a smart energy management system. These innovations enable significant 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. The series reflects Royal T Shipyards' long-standing commitment to modular construction, future-proof engineering, and emission-free operations; goals made possible by more than 15 years of experience with electric propulsion and over 200 vessels successfully delivered. 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.
Celebrating Partnership and Craftsmanship
The partnership between Royal T Shipyards and Vertom Group continues to be a driving force behind the new builds successes. The launch of MV Vertom Tula further strengthens their shared commitment to clean and efficient maritime logistics. “This ship is not just steel and technology,” Thecla 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.”
The event was attended by shipyard employees, partners, and guests from across the maritime sector, all united in their commitment to building the future of shipping together.