MV Iana delivered: Fuel efficient, future-proof and ready to go

The Netherlands-based Thecla Bodewes Shipyards has rolled the red carpet for MV Iana, the 5,050 dwt diesel-electric multipurpose vessel constructed for compatriot short-sea shipping company Transtal Shipping.

With the delivery ceremony wrapped up, MV Iana is now reportedly set to be chartered by Dutch shipowner and operator Royal Wagenborg.

The 5,900 cbm newbuild boasts a length of 87.30 meters, a beam of 13.70 meters and a draught of 6.30 meters, with a gross tonnage of 2,999 GT.

As disclosed, MV Iana is the inaugural ship of the yard’s diesel-electric propelled SALMO series, a vessel design said to have been built with energy and fuel efficiency as well as sustainability in mind. According to Thecla Bodewes, the series, which spans capacities between 5,050 dwt and 6,500 dwt, is over 32% below the current IMO EEDI phase 3 requirement.

As explained by the shipyard’s representatives, the SALMO vessel batch is fitted with three 532bkW generator sets and a divided power with two electric 600 ekW motors, which is believed to allow for ‘efficient’ fuel consumption.

What is more, it was disclosed that MV Iana has been future-proofed for alternative fuels such as methanol or hydrogen, ensuring compliance with regulatory stipulations.

Thanks to the diesel-electric system, MV Iana is considered not just a sustainable but also an economical solution for short-sea shipping, Thecla Bodewes has added.

To remind, MV Iana was christened and launched in mid-November 2024 at a ceremony held in Harlingen, in the northern Netherlands.

The SALMO series features an ‘improved’ hull design that is directly related to Thecla Bedewes’ LABRAX concept which was described as ‘specially tailored’ for Vertom Group, a Dutch short sea shipping player.

Vertom had initially booked a sextet of LABRAX units but exercised options for additional newbuildings.

The first one was welcomed at the end of December 2023 while the sixth touched the water in July 2024.

In February 2025, just two months after the launching ceremony, the seventh LABRAX series ship, the 7,280 dwt Vertom Willemijn, was handed over.