THECLA BODEWES SHIPYARDS I PROFILE
Specialising in building all types of seagoing and inland navigation vessels, Thecla Bodewes Shipyards has completed a range of diverse shipbuilding projects, as well as repair and maintenance services. Project Developer Wilco Smit discussed the company’s sustainable designs, Salmo and Gadus, plus recent vessel launches. Report by Antonia Cole.
Over the past year, Vertom Group has increased orders from Thecla Bodewes Shipyards from four vessels to ten, Project Developer Wilco Smit said: “This shows how the interest in diesel-electric propulsion systems is growing. The technology is still fairly new to the dry cargo shipping industry, but it’s great to see the benefits of it being recognised.
“We are also building another two similar sized vessels for Carisbrooke Shipping using the diesel-electric propulsion system. These vessels have the potential to transform the industry, setting a new standard for sustainability.”
Thecla Bodewes Shipyards (TBSY) employs 115 people over four facilities in the Netherlands. Headquartered in Kampen, the company has three other sites in Harlingen, Meppel and Stroobos. Each location spe -
cialises in a different service, giving the company the resources and expertise to deliver high-quality projects.
Large ships are built in Kampen, Harlingen and Stroobos, whereas repair and lengthening services take place in Meppel.
The company is able to build many types of vessel, from shallow draught pushers, water injection dredgers and day-passenger ships to low-profile coasters and project cargo vessels.
EEKELS
Thecla Bodewes Shipyards selects Eekels' award-winning Modular Propulsion Platform (MPP) to create vessels that minimise energy loss, fuel consumption and emissions. Eekels' groundbreaking MPP technology, already in operation with Vertom and ordered by Carisbrooke Shipping, has exceeded all expectations. With high-quality specialised knowledge, Eekels excels in developing, delivering and managing innovative and sustainable electrotechnical solutions.
Eekels values its partnership with Thecla Bodewes Shipyards and looks forward to their continued joint success in the future.
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Beginning with initial designs through to completion, TBSY’s skilled and experienced team are able to deliver efficient and durable vessels.
“Our experts here at TBSY are dedicated to innovation and sustainability,” added Mr Smit. “All of our projects look to introduce the latest technology and industry devel -
opments. We are constantly investigating ways in which we can make shipping more sustainable for our clients.”
An innovative series
Thecla Bodewes Shipyards’ new SALMO series is a testament to the work the company is doing in terms of sustainable innovations. The line of 5,000dwt and 6,500dwt, diesel-electric propelled dry cargo vessels feature specially designed hulls and layouts, improving efficiency and limiting environmental impact. Through extensive research, TBSY developed the series’ advanced hull design that minimises resistance from the water and optimises fuel consumption. The propulsion system features
three large, high-efficiency generator sets to tailor power input for maximised effectiveness, as well as energy-saving technologies such as LED lights and smart automation, including power management.
“The SALMO series fulfils all the demands of a dry cargo vessel, but with an efficient cargo hold and high stowage numbers, alongside low fuel consumption and emissions,” explained Mr Smit. “As well as the vessel, we make the whole building process sustainable. We source materials responsibly and manage our waste effectively in construction. This is important to us as a company.”
In preparation for future sustainable developments, the SALMO series has been designed to accommodate alternative fuel sources. With a space for a fuel supply skid, fuels such as methanol, ammonia or hydrogen can be used to power the vessel.
“We have demonstrated our commitment to innovation and sustainability with the SALMO series,” continued Mr Smit. “The design is prepared for the future, and so are we. Our annual turnover is €70 million, and we are looking to expand that number as we continue to grow. The introduction
of the SALMO series will make a significant impact in helping us to achieve our goals of both growth and a more sustainable industry.”
Another new development is the GADUS dry cargo vessel. Also diesel-electric propelled, this series features an electric powered excavator on the deck enabling the vessel to load and unload at locations without sufficient infrastructure ashore.
The series will start with four identical 5,600dwt vessels, with the first vessel to be delivered to her owners in early 2026.
Delivering excellence
The company has its own project development department, featuring highly skilled naval architects, engineers and other specialised professionals. This means that Thecla Bodewes Shipyards does not have to rely on third-party engineering companies and has full control of the shipbuilding process. Therefore, clients can receive a fully customisable service, tailored to their individual requirements.
“We are able to design a ship based upon our customers’ specifications, meaning each vessel is made to suit their
needs,” said Mr Smit. “Additionally, we pay close attention to market innovations and requirements in order to develop our own vessels.
“This gives our clients the option to choose a standard vessel that still features our innovative technology and sustainable design. We give our customers options and allow them to choose the best solution for their needs.”
TBSY recently launched the 7,280dwt MV Vertom Lisa for the Vertom Group, a leading name in maritime logistics solutions. This vessel is the sixth in an order of 12 and is part of the LABRAX series, with advanced maritime engineering and environmentally friendly design.
Featuring the company’s diesel-electric propulsion system, it is a multi-purpose vessel with a specialised design. The MV Vertom Lisa performs 38% under the current current IMO phase three Energy Efficiency Design Index requirements due to its sustainable features.
The propulsion and advanced powermanagement systems combine to create
a vessel that minimises energy loss, fuel consumption and emissions. With a length of 118.6m and a width of 14.3m, the MV Vertom Lisa uses significantly less propulsion power than conventional vessels of a similar size.
“We are very detailed in our engineering approach,” added Mr Smit. “Especially during the design phase, we put a lot of effort in reducing the underwater hull resistance by all means. Every aspect counts to making a vessel truly sustainable. We also try to keep the number of parts as low as possible. This not only conserves resources, but makes the vessel more efficient and dependable.”
Preparing for the future
Thecla Bodewes Shipyards is looking to make building processes more sustainable through the introduction of automation in construction. This will make operations quicker and more efficient, reducing energy use.
Also, the company is researching alternative fuels and how they can be integrated
into existing and future vessel designs. Through this research, the company hopes to create more sustainable and safe solutions for customers going forward.
“There is a lot that we are working on to prepare for the future of the company,” explained explained Mr Smit. “Ultimately, our mission is to create sustainable options for the marine industry, and we are doing this with our partners and suppliers. We rely on our long-term relationships within the sector, maintaining transparency and honesty in all our business. Most of our suppliers are Dutch or European, which allows us to support the local economy and industry.
“Also, our strong relationships with suppliers enables us to serve our customers to a higher standard, which is essential to us. We develop alongside our suppliers and collaborate with each other on new
innovations and ideas. This is vital to our success as a company.”
Thecla Bodewes Shipyards is looking to t ake on more projects and expand further in the future. As sustainable technology and innovations evolve, Thecla Bodewes plans to stay ahead of the industry and prepare for a more environmentally friendly future of shipbuilding. n
Project Developer, Wilco Smit
