Damen Shipyards introduced a new cargo vessel, the Combi Freighter (CF) 5000 ICE, a platform designed to operate efficiently in both open waters and extreme ice conditions. This new model marks the beginning of a series of vessels with Swedish-Finnish ice class, capable of operating in temperatures as low as -30°C.
“Our goal has been to leverage the experience and success we have had with our new generation of cargo vessels to create a platform capable of navigating economically in ice. The CF 5000 performs equally well in open waters as in ice, maintaining both the optimal loading capacity and the high efficiency of a conventional vessel. As always, we have worked closely with operators, incorporating their input to create a practical and reliable vessel, suitable for current and future operations,” commented Remko Bouma, commercial director of Damen Cargo Vessels.
The CF 5000 ICE is based on Damen’s experience with the delivery of numerous new-generation CF 3850 vessels and the construction of conventional CF 5000 vessels. In this new version, Damen has optimized the design by slightly increasing the length and draft to increase the useful load capacity.
“Although the modifications are modest, they have resulted in a considerable increase in loading capacity. Damen plans to apply these improvements to the next generation of conventional CF 5000 vessels,” the company stated.
“To maintain efficiency, the power necessary to operate in ice is generated by a hybrid /PTI system, instead of the main engine. This allows for efficient propulsion in normal conditions and an additional boost only when necessary, in a sustainable way,” it added.
The vessel also includes options for battery installation and shore connection. The combination of the hybrid system with batteries allows for full electric propulsion for short periods, such as in port or sensitive areas.
Furthermore, it can operate on low-emission biodiesel and is prepared for wind-assisted propulsion, with the base for installing a ventofoil already incorporated.
“The CF 5000 ICE will have access to Triton, Damen’s IoT platform that collects data from sensors to provide updates on the system status and assets, facilitating maintenance with precise instructions for the crew,” the company pointed out.
“Damen plans to begin construction of the first CF 5000 ICE soon, with delivery scheduled for mid-2027, just in time for winter. Like all CF vessels, it will be built in Asia, following Damen standards and with cost efficiency,” it added.
