Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with Malta-based Polidano Group for the delivery of two Combi Freighters (CF) 3850, to be used primarily for the transport of aggregates.
The new vessels will be named Denise P and Julia P in honour of Polidano family members. The Polidano Group is said to have approached Damen due to the reputation of the CF 3850 in the market. The company will use the vessels to replace a single vessel it currently operates, thereby significantly increasing its cargo capacity. The Polidano Group typically transports aggregates from Albania to Malta for use in its construction business. The CF 3850, with its box-shaped hold and tween deck, can offer multiple cargo configurations. With this, the company will be able to transport a wide range of cargoes, including containers and breakbulk, on the return voyages, as well as more widely in the Mediterranean region.
The CF 3850 vessels will provide the Polidano Group with increased efficiency, due to the vessel’s modern hull design and minimal resistance in the water, part of Damen’s concerted effort to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions to a minimum. A further advantage thought to have led the company to approach Damen was the shipbuilder’s ability to provide a fast delivery. It is Damen’s practice to construct vessels in series, often for stock. The two CF 3850 vessels were already in construction at Damen’s yard in China prior to the Polidano Group placing its order. As a result, the company will be able to take delivery of both vessels within a year of signing the contract. Damen expects to deliver the first vessel during 2026, and the second in early 2027.
Charles Polidano, founding member, Polidano Group, said: “We are very pleased to place this order with Damen Shipyards Group. It is the aim of our company to always remain ahead of the curve and we believe these vessels, which are renowned in the industry for their performance, will position us well for the coming years. As the first newbuild cargo vessels to be constructed for our country in some time, the CF 3850 vessels represent a boost in capability, not only for us, but for Malta.”
Joppe Neijens, Damen Sales Manager, Cargo Vessels, added: “There is a good connection between Damen and the Polidano Group. Our two organisations are both family businesses and we share the same entrepreneurial spirit. The company is well known as a leader in its sector, and we are very proud that they have chosen to place their trust in Damen, having heard of the qualities of the CF 3850 vessel. This order represents a milestone moment for Damen, comprising the 49th and 50th CF 3850 vessels to be ordered since we launched the next-generation design just five years ago. We have every confidence that the vessels will serve the Polidano Group well in the years ahead.”
Image: CF 3850 vessels for Polidano Group (source: Damen Shipyards)
