Blue Fin Shipping signs up for four more Damen shortsea bulkers

Germany’s Blue Fin Shipping has ordered another four Combi Freighter 3850 bulkers from Damen Shipyards Group, taking the total to six ships since the first contract was signed late in 2020. The first two vessels, Unitas-H and Solitas-H, are already deployed in the European shortsea trades, carrying bulk cargoes including steel, grain, wood pulp, and fertiliser.

The first 3,800dwt units were delivered from stock by Damen, the first one within six weeks. Two of the four new ships just ordered will be commissioned in the final quarter of 2022, followed by two more one year later.

Damen’s original Combi Freighter 3850 design, now more than two decades old, has been upgraded several times over the years. Improvements include refinements to hull form, improved emissions performance, main engine power reduction, improved emissions performance, optional hybrid propulsion, and ballast water treatment installations.

Installed power has been reduced on recent vessels from 1520 kW to 1104 kW. However, refinements to hull lines ensure that the ships can still sustain a speed of ten knots, fully laden.  

Blue Fin Shipping CEO, Peter Hinsch, commented on the first ship: “The vessel is fulfilling its expected performance in fuel consumption and quality, even in rough seas,” he said. “Charterers are happy with reduced fuel consumption … Cooperation with Damen is professional, quick, and reliable.”

Speaking on behalf of charterer, Baltic Shipping Company A/S, CEO Ronnie Hulstrøm said: “Together with our business partners Blue Fin, we have managed to accelerate our strategy of offering greener transport solutions to our clients. The Solitas-H design is state-of-the-art. The low consumption, the tweendeck and excellent stability are ideal for our trade.”

Damen has now delivered more than 80 freighters of this type since the design was first introduced.