Netherlands-based Royal T Shipyards has started sea trials of Vertom Quina, a new hybrid cargo vessel built for local operator Vertom Group, reported Melbourne's Baird Maritime.

Vertom Quina is the 10th in a series of multi-purpose ships designed to carry bulk, general and containerised cargo. The vessel has an optimised hull and a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system that can be adapted to run on low-emission fuels such as hydrogen and methanol.

The ship measures 118.6 metres in length, with a beam of 14.3 metres and draught of 6.3 metres. It has a gross tonnage of over 4,700, a box-shaped cargo hold of 9,336 cubic metres, and space for 56 TEU. Propulsion will deliver speeds slightly above 11 knots.

Royal T Shipyards said the advanced power management system will cut energy losses and reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Vertom added that installed power is significantly lower than comparable ships with conventional propulsion.