Damen Shipyards Group has announced the expansion of its successful Combi Freighter (CF) series, with new CF 6000 and CF 7000 designs, which are based on the CF 5000, featuring an extended midship section.
This provides vessel operators with additional flexibility, while retaining the reliability, efficiency and sustainability readiness said to define the series. With the extension of their hulls, the CF 6000 and CF 7000 are capable of carrying 20% and 40% more cargo, respectively. This is combined with the CF series’ cargo versatility. The vessels feature box-shaped holds with multiple grain bulkheads for diverse configurations.
They have tween decks, reinforced tank tops, container fittings, and are IMO Type 1 compliant for dangerous goods. As a result, it is possible to transport bulk, breakbulk, containers, and special cargo on a single vessel.
The new designs share the CF series’ existing future-proof characteristics, being fully aligned with EU MRV, FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, and IMO regulatory frameworks. The hydrodynamic hull shape delivers low resistance in the water and high fuel efficiency. This enables the vessels to provide more deadweight capacity with comparable installed power, resulting in lower CO2 emissions per ton of cargo and favourable EEXI and CII performance.
The CF series is compatible with B100 biofuel, enabling immediate emissions reduction without major technical modification. The vessels are also prepared for additional efficiency-enhancing solutions. These include a hybrid PTO/PTI system for peak shaving and zero-emissions sailing for limited periods of time, for example when in port. There are various battery configuration possibilities, as well as the option to install shore power connectivity. Additionally, the vessels are prepared for installation of wind-assisted ventofoils for further increased fuel efficiency.
Like the CF 5000, the CF 6000 and CF 7000 are available in both ice- and non-ice-class versions. In ice conditions, the vessels receive a boost from the hybrid system, while the non-ice-class version benefits from lightweight construction.
All vessels in the series are installed with Damen’s IoT system, Triton. Harvesting and analysing data from thousands of sensors around the vessel, Triton enables performance optimisation in real time.
As has long been its practice with the CF series, Damen will build the new vessels to high standards at its own and partner yards in Asia. Following delivery, Damen will continue to provide warranty and lifecycle support from the Netherlands.
Remko Bouma, Commercial Director Damen Cargo Vessels, said: “The CF 6000 and CF 7000 are the logical next step in the development of our cargo vessel portfolio. The new designs represent the direct evolution of the CF 3850 and CF 5000 designs. They offer vessel operators the same high quality and reliability, while enabling them to select a tonnage capacity that best meets their operational needs.”
Image: Damen Combi Freighter (CF) series (source: Damen Shipyards Group)
